Under the Bonnet Basics for New Drivers
Discussion
Hi fellow newbies,
So last weekend I went through the routine engine checks on my first car (Peugeot 206 CC) using this helpful guide written for new drivers, thought I'd give it a share > http://www.howardsgroup.co.uk/news/under-the-bonne...
So last weekend I went through the routine engine checks on my first car (Peugeot 206 CC) using this helpful guide written for new drivers, thought I'd give it a share > http://www.howardsgroup.co.uk/news/under-the-bonne...
Regular routine checks are an excellent way to get into self maintenance of your car.
Many a problem can be caused by low fluids, but if you find yourself continually topping up fluids you need to ask yourself why, as you probably have a leak.
Leaks should be obvious if you park in the same place everyday as you will start to see a dark or wet patch forming under your car.
If the car is old then 'burning' a bit of oil is generally considered to be acceptable and the oil level may gradually go down without any signs of a leak.
Other easy things to check are lights and electrics. Spare bulbs and fuses can be purchased cheaply and kept in stock so you always have them. I would advise a local motor factor rather than High Street Stores. The factors can look a bit less appealing and dingy but you will often pay a lot less for better quality components. Bulbs are generally easy change and any for any failed electrics a fuse check is a good first place to look. But as above with fluids, if fuses keep blowing ask yourself why as there is most likely a problem elsewhere.
Many a problem can be caused by low fluids, but if you find yourself continually topping up fluids you need to ask yourself why, as you probably have a leak.
Leaks should be obvious if you park in the same place everyday as you will start to see a dark or wet patch forming under your car.
If the car is old then 'burning' a bit of oil is generally considered to be acceptable and the oil level may gradually go down without any signs of a leak.
Other easy things to check are lights and electrics. Spare bulbs and fuses can be purchased cheaply and kept in stock so you always have them. I would advise a local motor factor rather than High Street Stores. The factors can look a bit less appealing and dingy but you will often pay a lot less for better quality components. Bulbs are generally easy change and any for any failed electrics a fuse check is a good first place to look. But as above with fluids, if fuses keep blowing ask yourself why as there is most likely a problem elsewhere.
The car's "Owner's Handbook" will tell you all that, and specifically for the car.
Sunset, are you male or female? I fear that it's not in the male psyche to read the manual - I know I don't, whereas my wife, on getting a new car, sits down with the OH and reads it through. Hence she doesn't have to resort to a website, and then wonder where the windscreen washer reservoir is on her car - she knows!
JOhn
Sunset, are you male or female? I fear that it's not in the male psyche to read the manual - I know I don't, whereas my wife, on getting a new car, sits down with the OH and reads it through. Hence she doesn't have to resort to a website, and then wonder where the windscreen washer reservoir is on her car - she knows!
JOhn
tapkaJohnD said:
The car's "Owner's Handbook" will tell you all that, and specifically for the car.
Sunset, are you male or female? I fear that it's not in the male psyche to read the manual - I know I don't, whereas my wife, on getting a new car, sits down with the OH and reads it through. Hence she doesn't have to resort to a website, and then wonder where the windscreen washer reservoir is on her car - she knows!
JOhn
Hi John Sunset, are you male or female? I fear that it's not in the male psyche to read the manual - I know I don't, whereas my wife, on getting a new car, sits down with the OH and reads it through. Hence she doesn't have to resort to a website, and then wonder where the windscreen washer reservoir is on her car - she knows!
JOhn
Yeah I do have the owner's handbook, but I am male so I just googled these checks and it came up with these instructions haha
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