You pay a fortune for your car every month on loan repayments, insurance, fuel, etc. We at Used Car Buyers Hatfield believe that to sell an item you also need to advise your client on how to take care of it. By checking your cars vitals signs, you could save thousands on unnecessary repair bills. According to your warranty contract, the onus is on you to check certain items on the car at regular intervals. Failure to do so can render your warranty null and void. And these checks can be done in the time it takes you to go buy bread and milk at the corner café.
So, let’s get started. Your tires are the only item between you and the road. Check the surface for damage, metal objects or uneven wear. Most cars have a small sticker on the inside of the door which indicates the correct tire pressure. Use it!!! Tire manufacturers suggest checking tires when they are cold for the most accurate reading. Outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees; higher temperatures mean higher psi readings. And do not forget to check the spare wheel from time to time.
Now open your hood or the bonnet as most of us know it. All the items that need checking are colour coded… usually in yellow for easy recognition. And most are fluid levels that need an inspection regularly. The older the car the more frequent we need to inspect. Your oil keeps the engine lubricated which is the most expensive part of your car. Make sure the car is parked on level ground and, with most cars, the engine is cold, so you do not burn yourself on a hot engine part. (With some cars, the automaker recommends that the oil be checked after the engine has been warmed up.) Ensure that the level is correct and not overfull which can cause damage.
The radiator keeps the water in the car’s system at the correct temperature and it is always important to have the right level. A sudden drop can be caused by a multitude of problems. You can use water as a coolant in an emergency. However, doing so is not recommended since water will not work well beyond its freezing and boiling points. This could also cause expensive engine damage. Another vital check is that of the brake fluid. Ever had that sinking feeling when you step on the brake pedal and nothing happens. If the level is down, you can top it up as follows. Cover the fender before opening the brake master cylinder and use caution when opening a container of brake fluid, as it can damage your vehicle’s paint. … If your fluid is below the “MIN” line, carefully pry the reservoir cap off, and then add brake fluid until the level is just under the “MAX” line. Do not overfill.
Most batteries these days are maintenance-free and require little or no attention. However, you can check the terminals to see if they are secure as well as the bracket that holds the battery in place. You do not need your battery to be a loose cannon in the engine. Finally check the windscreen washer fluid but do not add too much screen wash as you don’t want a bubble bath as you drive into the setting sun.
See that was not that difficult. Now, remember to close the bonnet properly. The best way to do this is to let it drop from about 40 cm as the weight of the bonnet will do the work. Pushing down on the metal can cause unsightly dents. If you are not sure about anything give us a call here at Used Car Buyers Hatfield and we will gladly assist or point you in the right direction for the best professional advice.
