Servicing your car is essential for safe driving and keeping running costs down. The more efficiently your vehicle runs, the more economical it will be. But using your car on a regular basis will inevitably lead to wear and tear of components and loss of lubrications and fluids that are essential to your cars performance.
At Farnworth Tyres and Exhaust we are specialists in all vehicular servicing. We take care of our customers and promote a friendly atmosphere. Below we have provided a few tips to keep your car runnung smooth.
Engine Oil
Make sure your car is on level ground. Start the engine, let it run for a short while, then turn it off. While your engine's still warm, remove the dipstick, and wipe clean with a lint-free rag. Reinsert the dipstick fully, otherwise you'll get a false reading. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If it's reading low, top up your oil using the correct grade as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Note: Do not run your engine if no oil is showing on the dipstick.
Radiator Coolant Level
Check the radiator coolant level in the plastic reservoir (most cars have them). The level should be between the high and low marks.
With the engine cool remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator. If it's low, top it up with the correct coolant concentration, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (see your owner's manual).
If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere, which can cause problems. Get your mechanic to take a closer look.
Note: Never check your coolant level when the radiator is hot. Always make sure it's cool to avoid serious injury or burns. And never mix coolants or inhibitors of different brands.
Wiring Hoses and Pipes
Look for any frayed, damaged, loose or disconnected wiring. If you find any, notify us immediately. Check your hoses and pipes. Follow all hoses from one end to the other, making sure they are tight and there are no stains that could indicate a leak. Check the top and bottom radiator hoses, heater hoses, fuel lines and any pipes associated with power steering or brakes. If you find any hoses that are very soft, kinked, swollen or cracked ask us for asvice.
Battery
If your battery has caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is about 5 mm above the plates, or between the levels as indicated on the battery case. If low, top up with distilled water and avoid overfilling. Replace the caps and make sure the electrical cables are tight on the battery terminals. The top of the battery should be clean and dry.
Note: Your battery is potentially dangerous, so don't check it near a naked flame or somebody who's smoking. Batteries produce an explosive gas when they charge, and the fluid inside is corrosive, so avoid any contact with eyes, skin, clothing and painted surfaces.
Tyres
Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres, and may make your car less safe to drive. Check and adjust pressure when tyres are cold. You'll find your car's correct tyre pressure on the tyre side wall or the manufacturers owners manual. You should check for a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm on any part of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Check your tyres for abnormal wear or damage (such as cracks, bulges or tears).
Note: You should buy your own tyre gauge to accurately check pressure because service station gauges may not be accurate.
Things to look out for : Stop immediately and check if
- a warning light remains on
- you feel any unusual vibrations
- your temperature gauge reads hot
- you hear any unusual noises
- your oil pressure gauge reads low
- your vehicle has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
- You experience any abnormalities when braking
You should also get your car to a mechanic as soon as posssible if it:
- uses more fuel or oil than usual
- is difficult to start
- runs roughly
- leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
- blows smoke.
If you experience any problems with your car please dont hesitate to call us on 01204 572122 and let us take care of the rest. Farnworth Tyres and Exhaust - Keeping you on the road. |
