BASIC TOOLS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR CAR
· Tyre pressure gauge
· Tread depth gauge
· Air pump
SAFETY
· High viz Jacket
· Warning triangle
· First aid kit
BASIC CHECKS
Tyre pressure – check manual for correct level, check when the tyres are cold, use your own gauge, reading vary from garage to garage. (Should be weekly check but fortnightly is ok) [Don’t forget the spare]
Tread depth – legal limit is 1.6mm; readings should be taken across the width of the tyre, not just one spot. Uneven wear is an early indicator of suspension issues or bad inflation of tyre. (Should be a monthly check, but every 3-6 months is ok)
Oil Level – check manual for correct grade and viscosity of oil for top ups. Engine should be cold when checking the level. Lift out and clean dipstick before checking. You may need 2 or 3 checks. Level should be between the min and max line. Preferably near the max than the min. don’t overfill. (Should be a weekly check but fortnightly is ok)
Coolant level – check manual for correct type of coolant; if in doubt just use water. Coolant should be a 50/50 water/coolant mix. Check level is between min and max. top up if the level is low; don’t overfill. If it looks like mayonnaise in or around the filler seek professional advice. ( should be checked monthly but every 3-6 months is ok)
Washer Fluid – not really possible to check but you should keep it topped up. Ready mixed is the easiest but you can mix your own. Read label for instructions as dilution changes depending on the time of the year. i.e. heavy concentration for winter.
Wiper blades – if its smearing change them; sounds silly but visibility is everything. Better visibility, better braking distances, and quicker response time, less likely to have an accident. I would also recommend something like rainx treatment for the windscreen.
MR THOMPSONS TOP TIPS
· Tyres are the only thing connecting you to the road; they are expensive, but it’s an item you shouldn’t be cheap on. Don’t have to go top of the range, but avoid cheap tyres and part worns. They can make all the difference in an emergency especially in the wet.
· Visibility is everything; being able to see well especially in poor weather is very important. Use hydrophobic treatments on the windscreen replace worn wipers and keep the car clean could make all the difference in an emergency especially in poor visibility weather or night driving.
· Don’t run a fuel tank to empty; you don’t have to run it to empty, maybe refill when it gets to half way. Fuel pumps don’t like to be exposed. And you don’t want to suck sediment through the injectors. And if your fuel gauge is not accurate you might run out before you think you would.
· If you’re not sure of something seek professional advice, most good garages/mechanics will give advice without charging. And use recommended mechanics. There are some dodgy mechanics out there. And a trustworthy mechanic is very valuable.
· If there is a Haynes manual for your car its worth getting. You may not be able to do all the big jobs, but you’d be surprised how easy a lot of the small jobs like changing bulbs etc are.