This section covers
This section covers
Don’t let the fuel in your tank run too low. This can cause running problems and even damage the engine. Fill up before you reach that stage. Some vehicles have a warning light which shows when the fuel is getting low.
Fuel cans If you carry reserve fuel in a can, make sure it’s of an approved type for carrying fuel. It’s illegal and dangerous to carry petrol in a container not intended for that purpose.
Motorway driving Make sure you have plenty of fuel before driving on a motorway.
Driving at higher speeds tends to use more fuel and there can sometimes be quite a distance between service areas.
Choose the right grade of petrol. Using the wrong grade could damage your engine.
Leaded fuel mustn’t be used in vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter. Even one tankful can permanently damage the system.
Diesel fuel is environmentally friendly, provided the engine is tuned correctly. Take care to avoid spilling diesel fuel when refuelling, since it will cause an extremely slippery surface.
Warning Take care never to put petrol into a diesel vehicle, or diesel fuel into a petrol-engined vehicle. Look carefully at the pump you’re going to use!
Oil is necessary to lubricate your engine. You need to keep the oil at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Check regularly and top up the oil when necessary, especially before a long journey.
Ideally you should check the oil level every time you fill up with fuel.
How to check the oil level The dipstick will tell you the amount of oil in the engine. See the vehicle handbook.
You should check the oil while the engine is cold for a more accurate result. You’ll need a clean, dry cloth to wipe the dipstick.
•Ensure the vehicle is on a level area and not on a slope.
•Look for the dipstick on the engine block of your vehicle.
Take particular care if your vehicle is fitted with automatic transmission. There may be an additional dipstick for transmission oil level checks. Consult the vehicle handbook.
Oil changes Observe the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you make a lot of short journeys, change the oil at more frequent intervals, especially in dusty conditions. Remember to have the oil filter changed at the same time.
Warning Oil is toxic and can cause skin problems. Use protective gloves or a barrier cream and always wash oil off your hands immediately.
Keep containers storing oil out of reach of children.
Oil use The amount of oil an engine will use depends on
•the type of engine
•the amount of wear
•how you drive.
Don’t
•run the engine when the oil level is below the minimum mark
•add so much oil that the level rises above the maximum mark. You’ll create excess pressure that could damage the engine seals and gaskets, and cause oil leaks. Moving internal parts can hit the oil surface in an overfull engine and may do serious or even terminal damage.
Warning light If the oil pressure warning light on your instrument panel comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as you can and check the oil level.
The oil in your engine has to perform several tasks at high pressures and temperatures up to 300ºC. It helps to
•resist wear on the moving surfaces
•combat the corrosive acids formed as the hydrocarbons in the fuels are burnt in the engine
•keep the engine cool.
It also has to withstand gradual contamination from both fuel and dirt.
Make sure you always use the lubricants recommended in the vehicle handbook.
Most vehicles have a separate lubricating oil supply for the gearbox.
This oil is especially formulated for use in the gearbox and you should always follow the instructions in the vehicle handbook.
It’s not necessary to drain the gearbox in most cases, but the level should be checked at service intervals.
Front-wheel drive vehicles may not have a separate supply for the final drive and gearbox, but most have a common filler/level plug. The specified gear oil should be used to top up.
With rear-wheel drive vehicles there’s a filler/level hole at the rear of the differential (on the rear axle) which can be more easily reached when the vehicle is raised, but remember to keep the vehicle level.
It’s important that the correct hypoid-type extreme pressure (EP) oil specified in the vehicle handbook is used.
You may have to squeeze the top-up oil in via a plastic bottle and tube.
Vehicles today use a mixture of water and anti-freeze to make up the coolant. This helps to keep most engines comparatively cool and it’s kept in the radiator all the year round.
The anti-freeze contains a corrosion inhibitor which reduces rust and oxidation in alloy engines and prolongs the life of the system. In cold weather, maintain the recommended strength of anti-freeze. Have it checked at least annually – late summer or early autumn is best.
You should check the coolant level frequently, particularly before a long trip, topping up with coolant as necessary. Look for the high/low level markings on the header tank, where one is fitted. The need to top up often might indicate a leak or other fault in the cooling system. Have it checked by your garage or dealer.
It’s a good idea always to carry a supply of coolant with you.
Warning
•Never remove a radiator or header tank cap when the engine is hot.
•Never add cold water to an overheated engine, let it cool for a while first.
•Don’t overfill or the system will blow the excess out as soon as it warms up.
If you feel or hear any knocking or rattling noises from the steering or suspension you should seek advice.
Excessive movement or play in the steering wheel may indicate wear in the steering mechanism. You should seek qualified advice without delay.
When the ignition is on and/or the engine is running, movement of the steering wheel will cause hydraulic pressure or electrical energy to assist the driver and make the steering easier. If the steering needs a lot of effort (becomes heavy) the power assistance system may not be working properly.
Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the ignition switch is moved to ‘on’ or the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Check the level of fluid in the pump reservoir regularly when the engine is switched off. The level should be between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ marks.
Never run the engine without oil in the pump reservoir. You could severely damage the pump or cause it to seize up completely.
Check the condition of shock absorbers by examining them for signs of fluid leaks and by bouncing the vehicle. It shouldn’t continue to bounce unduly when tested. If in doubt, seek qualified assistance.
Worn shock absorbers make a vehicle difficult to control and can increase your stopping distance.
Brakes are one of the most important elements in driving safety.
Note any variations in braking efficiency. If the brakes feel spongy or slack, get them checked by a qualified mechanic. They’re too important to be ignored.
Testing your brakes Test the brakes every day as you set out. Choose a safe spot on the road.
If you hear any strange noises, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, consult your garage immediately.
Check the brake fluid level regularly, but don’t overfill. Look for the high/low markings on the reservoir. Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is kept topped up. Consult the vehicle handbook.
Check for excessive wear on the parking brake in the following way. When applying the brake, ensure that there’s no excessive travel of the brake lever and that the lever locks securely. The parking brake must prevent the vehicle from moving.
Adjust the parking brake setting if
•the amount of travel is above the limit specified in the vehicle handbook
•the vehicle can roll on a gradient when the parking brake is fully set.
Regular servicing will help to make sure your brakes are safe. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on service intervals. Unless you’re a skilled amateur mechanic, leave brake checking, adjustment and replacement of brake pads and shoes to your garage.
If you’re in any doubt about your vehicle’s ability to brake safely, don’t use it. Have it checked immediately.
Most vehicles are equipped with a warning signal to indicate certain faults within the braking system. If the red warning signal shows, consult your vehicle handbook or obtain guidance from a competent mechanic. Driving the vehicle with a brake defect could be dangerous and may constitute an offence.
Anti-lock braking systems If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, there will also be a warning light for that system to indicate a fault. If this light comes on, have the brakes checked immediately. Consult your vehicle handbook or your garage before driving the vehicle. Only if it’s safe, drive carefully to the nearest garage.
On a motorway If you have any reason to suspect that your brakes are defective when you’re driving on a motorway, leave at the next exit and drive carefully to a garage.
Your tyres are your only contact with the road. The area of contact is as small as the sole of a shoe for each tyre. Tyres won’t grip properly and safely unless they’re in good condition and correctly inflated; they can easily become damaged. Make sure you check wear and tear and replace them when necessary.
The penalties for using faulty tyres or tyres worn beyond the minimum legal tread depth are very severe. They may include a fixed fine of up to £2500, discretionary disqualification and driving licence endorsement for every faulty tyre.
•Check that the walls of the tyres are free from cuts and bulges.
•Check that all your tyres have a good depth of tread right across and all around them. The legal requirement for cars, vans, trailers and caravans isn’t less than 1.6 mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. However, it’s recommended that you replace your tyres before this legal limit is reached.
•Have the wheel alignment and wheel balance, suspension and braking system checked regularly. If there’s a fault, get it put right as soon as you can, otherwise the wear on the tyres will be excessive or uneven.
•If you see that parts of the tread are wearing before others, seek advice. This can indicate a tyre, brake, steering or suspension fault.
Don’t let grease and oil stay on your tyres. Remove anything (stones, glass, etc) caught in the treads. These can work their way in and cause damage.
You can’t guess pressures just by looking at a tyre, except when it’s obviously flat.
Check your tyres regularly – at least once a week. Use a reliable gauge and follow the vehicle handbook for the correct tyre pressure.
Check your tyres and adjust the pressure when they’re cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
The handbook will also tell you if you need different pressures for different conditions.
Generally, the pressure should be higher for a heavily loaded vehicle or if you’re intending to drive at high speed for a long distance, eg motorway journeys.
Tubeless tyres When you’re replacing a tubeless tyre, fit a new valve to the wheel.
Remember, it’s so dangerous to use a car with a tyre not properly inflated that it’s an offence.
Punctures should only be repaired if the damaged tyre can be vulcanised (a specialist hot-weld process) to meet legal requirements.
You should run in new tyres at reasonable speeds for the first 100 miles (160 km) because they don’t grip the road surface quite so well when they’re new and shiny.
•Check tyre pressures frequently.
•Avoid driving over potholes and broken road surfaces. If you can’t avoid them, slow down.
•Don’t drive over kerbs or scrape the wheels along them when manoeuvring. You’ll damage the wall of the tyre and this could cause a blow-out later.
•Hitting the kerb can also affect the tracking of the front wheels. If there are any signs of uneven front tyre wear, have the steering checked.
•Think and plan ahead. Avoid high speeds, fast cornering and heavy braking, all of which increase tyre wear.
Most modern batteries are maintenance-free and sealed for life. The terminals should be secure, clean and greased.
If the battery is fitted with a filler cap or caps, check the level of the fluid. The plates in each cell should be covered. Top up with distilled water if necessary, but avoid overfilling.
Check the operation of the front and rear lights, brake lights and indicators, including hazard lights, each time you use the vehicle.
Make use of reflections in windows and garage doors, or ask someone to help you.
It’s a good idea to carry a selection of spare bulbs, if applicable. Your vehicle handbook should give the bulb replacement procedure, if relevant.
Headlights MUST be properly adjusted to
•avoid dazzling other road users
•enable the driver to see the road ahead adequately.
All lights MUST
•be clean and in good working order
•show a steady light.
Indicators
•must be clearly visible and in good working order
•must flash between once and twice per second.
Check the windscreen washer mechanism and the washer reservoirs. Make sure there’s enough liquid.
The washer can be very important in wet, muddy conditions. If you carry a supply of water, you can use a sponge to wash away any heavy dirt wherever you happen to be.
Check the wipers. Replace worn or damaged blades. If your vehicle is fitted with headlight washers, the same attention should be paid to these.
Check the horn is working properly and sounding clearly. Take care not to alarm or annoy others when doing so.
For detailed advice, consult the vehicle handbook, a workshop maintenance manual or a qualified mechanic.
The tables on pages 368–369 give only a brief guide to simple fault-finding and remedies.
If you have any doubts about the roadworthiness of the vehicle, obtain specialised assistance without delay. Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Remember, prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. Having your vehicle serviced according to the maintenance schedule helps the engine work more efficiently. This will save fuel and reduce the effect on the environment by cutting emissions. If you notice any fault, consult your garage.
Some minor faults can be easily identified and corrected, but with the more complex engine management and electronic systems in modern motor vehicles, anything beyond a simple repair is better left to qualified mechanics; especially when the vehicle’s warranty might be affected.
Check all levels and systems as recommended.
Changing filters and spark plugs at the recommended intervals will help keep your vehicle reliable and prolong its life.
Air filter Replace the air filter at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, or sooner if the vehicle is used in exceptionally dusty conditions.
Overhead camshaft engines On this design of engine it’s vital to replace the camshaft drive belt at the recommended intervals. Serious damage can be caused to the engine if the belt breaks.
