Our resident mechanic Hannah Gordon has some advice about checks you should regularly do on your own car
Tyres
It is important to check these three things on your tyres;
- Tyre tread depth, this should be 1.6mm or more over 75% of the central part of the tyre. You can measure this using a depth gauge or looking at the wear bars in the tyre tread.
- Tyre pressures, can be found in the cars handbook or online, don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
- Check for cuts or bulges in the tyre, these can lead to punctures or ‘blow-outs.’
Wiper Blades
Easily overlooked but can make all the difference in a weather system like the Ireland’s. If your wiper blades aren’t touching parts of the screen or are making embarrassing noises then time to get a new pair. Some car part retailers even fit them for free.
Antifreeze Level
Water in the engine keeps it from overheating, but it is also vital to have the right mixture of antifreeze and water. Make sure the level of antifreeze is up to maximum/full and get a garage to check the strength especially during the winter. Make sure the engine is cold before you open the cap as it could scald.
Screenwash
Make sure your screenwash doesn’t just contain water, you need the extra cleaning power of a detergent to get rid of all those pesky bugs that like to leave their mark on the windscreen. And fully working jets are also important if your car is due an NCT.
Lights
Cars now contain many different bulb types and you may find yourself being pulled over by the Gardai if just one of them isn’t working. Get a friend to help you check that all the bulbs still operate as they should.
Oil Level
The lubricating nectar of a car engine, oil is so important to keep your car running that it should be checked regularly. In your engine bay you should find a ‘dipstick’ on this it will have lines and a maximum mark where the oil should be. Check with the manufacturer what type of oil you should be putting in your car as some do differ.
Dash lights
The more modern cars have become the more the dash can resemble christmas tree illuminations. It is important that if a light appears on your dash that hasn’t been there before that you get a professional to check it out. An engine fault could put the car into ‘limp’ mode or even stop it from starting.
Hannah Gordon
6th February, 2017
