Article By Justin Woodcock - 15-Sep-2009
10 things you can do to keep your car safe on the road.
1 - Check your car tyres.
Check your tyres regularly. Be aware of tyre wear, cracks, bulges, pressure, or small objects in the tyre tread.
Most car tyres have tread wear indicators, these are usually six small ribs across the bottom of the grooves of the main tread. When the tread surface gets to the same level as the ribs, then it's time to get your tyres changed.
Some companies will not change a single tyre, preferring instead to change two, to enable similar wear across the front and back set, which helps the car to stay in a straight line if you need to break suddenly.
2 - Check your tyre pressure (when your tyres are cold).
It is recommended that tyre pressure is checked once a week, you can get tyre pressure from your owners manual. When your tyres have the right amount of air in them, the car brakes and handles correctly. If the tyre pressure is too high, then you will lose stability in braking and cornering, it's also easier to damage a high pressure tyre.
Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold - within a few miles of driving, tyres become warm, and checking warm tyres gives an inaccurate reading.
3 - Check The Engine Oil
Most modern cars tend to be good at retaining oil, with that said, if your car isn't topped up with oil, then the engine could get damaged, or could overheat.
First of all, make sure the car engine is cold, and the car is on level ground. Find out what kind of oil your car takes from the owners manual, and get some.
Next, take the dipstick out and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick fully, pull it out again, and check that the oil goes up to a point between the "F" and "L" marks. L stands for Low, so if the oil is low, you need to add more. Locate the oil filler cap, this is usually on the top of the engine. Unscrew the oil filler cap carefully and place to one side. Pour in a small amount and re-check the level with the dipstick. Over-filling can cause as much problem as having not enough oil, so err on the side of caution.
4 - Check the Engine Coolant / Anti-freeze ( be careful )
Nobody wants their car to overheat - a lack of coolant could cause this to happen. It's best to check the level of coolant before a long journey. It's important to note that engine coolant is poisonous and corrosive - if it gets on your skin or the cars' bodywork - wash it off, quickly. First of all, consult the owners manual and find the engine collant reservoir. Check that the current level is between minimum and maximum levels. If the coolant is low, add extra fluid. Make sure that the car is cold before attempting to re-fill with coolant. If the car has been running, then the engine and radiator will be hot, and hot fluid could escape from the radiator and scald you. Place a cloth over the coolant filler cap and slowly unscrew it, enabling any pressure to escape. Then fill the reservoir to the maximum mark, and replace the cap.5 - Check your shock absorbers.
This is a nice and easy test, kind of fun too. Just push down on each corner of your car, and then release. The car should settle into its' normal position after one or two bounces. If it takes longer than one or two bounces, then you need to replace your shock absorbers.
6. Check your brakes (Use your ears).
You should get your braking system checked every 10,000 miles or once a year. It helps to be aware of the feel of the brakes when you are driving - if you notice a lack of firmness in the brakes, or if you have to push the brake to the floor before anything happens, get it checked - it could be that you have a leak in your braking system, or that the fluid level is low.
If you're getting a shaking or vibration in the pedal, or the steering wheel, that may suggest that you need replacement rotors, or they may just need re-surfacing. If you get a squealing sound, then that says your brake pads are wearing thin. If you get a grinding sound, or metal-on-metal, then you could have serious problems, and should get someone to look at your brakes ASAP.
7. Maintaining Brake Fluid Levels (be very careful)
Without brake fluid, your brakes won't work, so it's kind of important to make sure you've got some in the car. Brake Fluid is very toxic, so if you're not comfortable handling poisons, get an expert in to do the job. If you are handling it, keep it away from your hands and eyes, and avoid spilling it on the ground. Also keep it away from paint-work, as it's corrosive too. Check the owners manual, and find the brake fluid reservoir. As with the other fluids in the car, if the fluid is below the MIN level, then add fluid until it reaches MAX.
8. If it keeps leaking...
If you are having to add fluid to the car often, then get your braking system checked by a professional mechanic, as you may have a leak. One more thing, never, ever let water into the braking system. Ever.
9. Check your handbrake
Find yourself a nice quiet road with an incline (not easy to do in Norfolk, where it's flat). Pull the handbrake on. The handbrake should engage within a few clicks. If it takes too long then you need to get the cable and rear calipers checked by a mechanic.
10. If you need a car part...
You know where to find one :)...