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Inside The Engine Compartment Other Parts Of Your Car

Inside The Engine Compartment

Radiator Coolant Check the coolant level in the transparent reservoir weekly. Make sure that the coolant is at the correct level. Top up with the appropriate proportion of coolant and water as recommended by the coolant manufacturer. Caution! Let the engine cool for approximately 30 minutes before removing the radiator pressure cap.

2. Belts and Hoses Inspect the belts and hoses every 3 months. Belts and hoses should be replaced if it's worn, glazed, frayed or cracked. If necessary, send your car to a qualified technician to have your belts and hoses replaced.

3(i). Automatic Transmission Fluid Check the transmission fluid monthly by removing the dipstick with the engine running. If necessary, top up with the transmission fluid suitable for your car. Do not overfill.

3(ii). Manual Transmission Fluid ( Clutch Fluid ) Most cars are equipped with transparent reservoirs for the clutch fluid. Check the level of the clutch fluid at the side of the reservoir. If necessary, top up with the transmission fluid suitable for your car. Do not overfill.

4. Engine Oil Check the engine oil weekly before starting the engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then insert it fully and remove it again to check the level. If necessary, top up the engine oil with the type recommended for use in your car. Change the engine oil seasonally as recommended in your vehicle manual.

5. Air Intake Filter Check the air filter every two months. If necessary, engage a qualified technician to replace a dirty air filter.

6. Brake Fluid Brake fluid should be checked monthly. If it is necessary to add brake fluid, first remove all dirt from the top of the reservoir before unscrewing the filler cap. Add brake fluid suitable for your vehicle. If you find that you have to top up the brake fluid frequently , send your car to a qualified technician to check the system for leaks.

7. Windscreen Washer Fluid Ensure that the windscreen washer fluid is topped up. At the same time, wipe the wiper blades with washer fluid on a rag.

8. Battery All battery cells should be filled to the proper level with distilled water. Look for corroded or loose terminals and a cracked case. Check the cables for good condition and connection.

9. Power Steering Fluid Check the power steering fluid once a month with the dipstick in the filler cap. Inspect the pump and hose for leaks, and send the car to a qualified technician if leaks occur.

10. Fuses Make sure that you have spare fuses. They should cover all the amperage ratings designated on the fuse box lid.

Other Parts Of Your Car

1. Windscreen And Wiper Blades Inspect windscreen wiper blades whenever you clean your windscreen. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months, and more often if smearing or chattering occurs.

2. Lightings Ensure that all the lightings such as headlamps, signal lights and brake lights are clean and in good working condition. It is a good practice to keep spare bulbs and fuses in your car.

3. Tyres Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tyres are misaligned or out of balance. Rectify it at your nearest vehicle workshop.

4. Brakes The brake pad wear-indicators on your disc/drum brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, send your vehicle to the workshop to have the brake pad checked and replaced if necessary.

5. Suspension Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers and struts. Worn or leaking components should always be replaced in pairs by qualified technicians.

6. Exhaust Always listen for any leakage from the exhaust system. Send your vehicle to a workshop if necessary.

7. Spare tyre, Jack and Wheel-nut wrench Check the spare tyre pressure regularly and make sure your jack and wheel nut wrench is always available in your car.