It’s an unfortunate fact that many drivers barely ever look under their bonnets, it’s a great idea to get to know a little bit about your car. A lot of people are reluctant to learn even the basics but to make sure your car is always in a roadworthy condition you should be confidently able to check the following on your vehicle: Battery If your car is not starting as quickly or easily as it once did it may be the battery, worn out battery is a common reason for breakdowns so it important to get this checked if you do notice a change.
Oil
Check your oil regularly, before the warning light has to come on. Not oiling your engine propelerly can lead to costly repairs for engine damage.
Coolant & Anti-freeze To prevent your engine from overheating make sure your car has enough coolant. Do not open the coolant tank while the engine is hot as it could result in a nasty burn.
Brake Fluid If you notice the brake pedal needing more pressure than normal, a scraping sound when pressing the brake or the car pulling to one side when braking and the brake fluid level being at or below the minimum level bring your car to be checked by a professional immediately. Tyres Ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and that the tread depth is above the legal limit of 1.6mm. You can do this by simply putting a €1 coin in the tread of the tyre, the tread should at least reach the silver part of the coin. Lights Get someone to help you check your lights are all in working order front and back, it only takes seconds to do. Also ensure they are wiped clean of any mud or dust. Windscreen Wipers Always keep your windscreen washer topped up and when refilling it use a funnel to prevent water spilling on other engine components. Windscreen wipers need to be replaced roughly every couple of years depending on usage. Emergency Kit Make sure your boot is stocked up with the basics for an unfortunate breakdown, flat tyre or extreme weather event such as a high-vis vest, a working torch, a hazard cone or triangle, de-icing equipment, first aid kit, warm coat or blanket and some non perishable food and drinks. Dashboard Warning Signals Yellow: check your vehicle as soon as possible. Red: stop the vehicle provided it is safe to do so. Don’t ignore warning signs! Manual Have a read through the car manual or download the electronic version if available. Know what the warning signs mean so you can recognise them if they flash up at any stage, know how often a full service is needed. General guidelines are that this should be done every 10,000km to 15,000km.
When it is time for a service take your car into one of our experts at Nolan Motors for a full service at a great price!