05/02/2022
Ongoing basic care checks and maintenance is all it takes which can avoid potential car problems. We at Rhodes and Heron are all about making sure your car is safe and reliable.
Here are a few tips on what can be done to help maintain your car. : Healthy oil and cooling systems, safe tyres and batteries and working headlights, windscreen wipers and indicators - If you’re unsure and require some assistance, don't hesitate to drop in at Rhodes & Heron or give us a call - we shall provide you with honest experience advise , with no obligation or expectations.
1. How to check your radiator and cooling system
Caution: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Let it cool for a few hours to avoid injury.
A quick check of the radiator coolant is as easy as looking at the level in the plastic overflow bottle of most cars. The coolant level should be in between the high and low markings.
Once the engine has cooled, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator, too. If the level is low, top it up with the coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere that could be a sign of a bigger problem which needs professional assessment.
2. How to check your engine oil
Park your car on level ground
Start the engine, let it run for a short time, then turn it off
While the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick – make sure it’s fully inserted, otherwise you'll get a false reading
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be in between the low and high markings. If the oil level is low, top up your oil but first check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade. Don’t start the engine if there is not any oil on the dipstick! An engine with no oil can seize and be extremely expensive to fix, and please ensure you do not overfill the oil, as this could also cause major issues.
3. Check your car’s tyre pressure and condition
Incorrect tyre pressures can reduce the life of your tyres and may make your car less safe to drive. The correct tyre pressure for your car is located on the tyre placard, which is usually found inside one of the front doors. If you cannot find it, check the owner’s manual.
You should also check that your tyres have enough tread. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm on any part of the tyre surface – it is wise to replace your tyres before they wear this far. Tyres has tread depth indicators in the grooves between the tread. When the tread is worn to be level with an indicator, it is time for a new tyre. Also check your tyres for abnormal wear and damage such as cracks or bulges, which could indicate a suspension problem. Routinely rotating your tyres helps spread the wear and extend tyre life, and it could be good timing to do so before a big trip.
Including the spare wheel and tyre in the rotation can extend the life of the entire set by as much as 20 per cent, because you are now spreading the wear over five rather than four tyres, though sometimes this isn’t possible because the wheels and tyres are of different sizes, or your car has a temporary spare.
4. Checking car battery condition
Caution: Your battery is potentially dangerous, so do not check it near a naked flame or a lit cigarette. Batteries produce an explosive gas when they charge, and the fluid inside is corrosive, so avoid any contact with your eyes, skin, clothing, and painted surfaces.
If your battery has caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is deep enough that the plates within are fully immersed. Some batteries without removable caps have an indicator on the outside of the case to let you quickly check battery health. If the battery’s level is low, top it up with distilled water (rather than tap water) but do not overfill it. Replace the caps and check that the clamps are tight on the battery terminals. The top of the battery should be clean and dry, and the terminals should be free of corrosion, which can be in the form of a white or bluish substance.
If your car is taking longer than usual to start, or if you know your battery hasn’t been changed in a long time, it’s worth investing in a battery charger. Battery charging can be a way to increase the longevity and performance of your car battery, however if you suspect your battery is extensively damaged or are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of batteries and battery chargers, drop into Rhodes and Heron an we will do a battery check at no cost.
5. Transmission and power steering fluids
The right way to check your power steering and transmission fluid level differs between makes and models – you can find out how in the owner’s manual. A low fluid level in either could indicate a leak, which should be checked as soon as possible.
6. Maintain your windscreen wipers and washer fluid
Washer fluid
Fill your washer bottle with clean water and the right amount of windscreen-washer additive. Do not use household detergents as they can damage your paintwork and wiper blades.
Windscreen wipers
If your wiper blades are not cleaning your windscreen properly, or are split or perished, they need to be replaced. Quick fix, if you want to drop in, we can do this on the spot for you.
7. Checking your headlights, taillights, and indicators
Having working lights is a safety fundamental that is so obvious, it’s often overlooked. Test your indicators and headlights, including the high beams – your car’s reflection in a glass shopfront or on a wall can be useful if you don’t have someone to help you test the reverse and brake lights.
Replace blown globes with the correct type – you can read this on the globe itself, check the owner’s manual or come and ask us.
8. Warning signs that something is wrong with your car,
Feel free to drop in all call for some honest advice. We are just in Northcote and are happy to provide you with some guidance and recommendations.
a) A dashboard warning light remains on
b) You feel any unusual vibrations
c) The temperature gauge reads hot
d) You hear any unusual noises
e) The oil pressure gauge reads low
f) The car has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
g) You experience any abnormalities when braking
h) Uses more fuel or oil than usual
if) Is difficult to start
j) Runs roughly
k) Leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
Note: This is a guide only. The manufacturer's specific recommendations take precedence, and you should still have your car regularly serviced by a qualified technician.
