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Car Maintenance Tips – Checks under the bonnet

Posted on 02. Aug, 2009 by admin in Car maintenance guides

Some car owners would struggle to remember the last time they checked under the bonnet of their vehicle. However there are items which need to be checked regularly including fluids for the windscreen wash, the engine oil, engine coolant and the brake and power steering fluids.

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The windscreen wash needs to be topped up regularly. This should be mixed with the correct amount of water as highlighted on the packaging and then check with the car handbook to identify where it needs to be put in from. Try and keep a spare bottle in the car boot as you may find it very useful if you’re in a remote place and need to give your windscreen a good clean to improve visibility.

The engine oil needs to be checked using a dipstick. If you don’t know where it is located then consult the car handbook as it varies with different vehicles. Some cars don’t have a dipstick because the car itself can automatically check this for you. If you need to check this manually, then follow these instructions:

1.If the engine is still warm, park the car on a level surface and switch the engine off. Let it cool down for at least five minutes and then open the bonnet.
2.Remove the dipstick, wipe with a clean cloth and put the dipstick back in.
3.Remove the dipstick and check that the oil at the bottom is between the minimum and maximum markers. The oil should be clean with a dark honey colour. If it is black or sludgy with bits in it or white froth then there may be a problem and you should ideally consult a mechanic before continuing your journey.
4.If it’s low, then get it topped up yourself using the instructions in the car handbook to find the filler cap and get the right grade of oil.

The engine coolant is one of the easier fluids to check in the car. Most cars have a clear reservoir under the bonnet so you can see if it’s between the minimum and maximum markers. However, look out for puffs of white smoke from the exhaust as this may mean that the car is burning up.

The brake and power steering fluids are potentially hazardous materials and they must be stored in clearly marked containers, away from youngsters. Only use new brake fluid, if old brake fluid is used then this could cause contamination resulting in damage to the braking system. Check that there is a sufficient amount of brake/power steering fluids in the car by checking that they are filled between the minimum and maximum markers on the container. If the level is below the minimum marker and the warning light is on in the car then top this up to the maximum point. If you find that you’re topping this up fairly regularly then have the car checked by a qualified mechanic as it could be that the car system has developed a leak.

Watch the video related to car maintenance

Learn how to find your way around under your car’s hood withexpert car tips in this free online automotive repair video clip. Expert: William Myers Contact: www.austinsubaru.com/en_US/ Bio: William Myers has been a Senior Master Technician for Subaru since 1998. He is an ASE Certified Master Technician and L1 Advanced Level Specialist. Filmmaker: EV studios

Help answer the question about car maintenance

bmw dealerships, they say i have 2000mls left on pads, is this safe. i have maintenance pack with the car ?
they wont change pads and discs till 1000mls left on them , crazy?

About Author

Veronica Jewell is an Internet technologist who writes on a variety of topics including car finance and car loans.

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