Car Maintenance - car maintenance tip - Step by
Step Guide Keeping your car in good shape
Helston is located in Cornwall
and compared to its vibrant neighbouring towns, it has
a rather tame nightlife. The emphasis here is on more
traditional and old-style pubs and inns. Nevertheless
it does have one major nightclub – namely, Trelawney’s.
This plays a selection of music from the 70’s,
80’s, 90’s, commercial dance, chart, disco
and rock n roll tunes. However if a serious clubbing
session is what you are after then it might well be
worth the journey to towns close by.
Periodically your car needs care.
Follow our step by step guide to routine maintenance
to keep your car in good health.
ENGINE OIL
Always keep an eye on your engines oil level, routinely
checking it weekly or every 250 miles and specifically
before long journeys.
If your vehicle is used mainly for towing, short repetitive
journeys (less than 5 miles), or frequent stop start
driving it is recommended that you change the oil more
frequently than specified in the service schedule.
To check the oil level park the vehicle on level ground
and leave to stand for five minutes before checking
the dipstick level. The oil level should be between
the minimum and maximum marks. Top up as necessary using
the recommended oil and allow the vehicle to tick over
and stand before re-checking the level.
Fiat and Alfa Romeo engines are designed to run on
Selenia oil. The synthetic base oil was developed to
enhance the characteristics of the engine and enhance
its performance whilst affording maximum protection.
Selenia oil improves fuel consumption by up to 2%,
improves both cold starting and catalytic efficiency
whilst maintaining maximum stability at high temperatures.
(Click to order..)
"If the engine is hot, be very careful when you
put your hands under the bonnet as you risk burning
yourself. Remember that while the engine is hot, the
electric fan can start up and cause injury."
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ENGINE COOLANT
The coolant level in your engine should be checked weekly
or every 250 miles. Paraflu antifreeze coolant is designed
to give protection at minus 35C when mixed with distilled
water.
When the engine is cold the level should fall between
the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. If the
level is low a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and
paraflu liquid should be used to bring the level back
up to the maximum mark.
"The coolant system works under pressure. Do not
take the cap off when the engine is hot as you run the
risk of scalding yourself. When changing the cap you
should ensure you only use genuine parts to avoid long
term damage to the system."
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POWER STEERING FLUID
The power steering fluid level should be checked every
500 miles.
To check the level park your vehicle on level ground
and, with the engine cold, remove the reservoir cap
and ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum
marks on the dipstick attached to the cap. Clean the
dipstick, re-tighten the cap and unscrew to ascertain
the actual level.
When topping up the fluid level it is important ensure
the oil is of the same specification as the fluid presently
in the reservoir.
"Power steering fluid is highly flammable. Do
not let it come into contact with hot engine parts.
Oil consumption should be extremely low - if it needs
topping up after short journeys arrange for a system
line check"
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BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid level should be regularly checked to
ensure it is at the maximum level. If you need to add
fluid you should top up using Tutela TOP 4 fluid, the
same type originally fitted to your vehicle.
In addition to this the warning light circuit should
be checked by pressing the reservoir cover (with the
ignition key in the MAR position), the instrument panel
warning light should come on.
"Brake fluid is highly corrosive, make sure it
does not drip onto the paintwork of your vehicle. If
it does, wash it off immediately with water. The (0)
symbol on the container indicates synthetic type brake
fluid is present, distinguishing it from the mineral
kind. Using mineral based fluids will damage the special
rubber gaskets in the system beyond repair. Please note
that TOP4 fluid is specifically formulated for use with
ABS brake systems but can be used instead of TOP3 whereas
TOP3 cannot be used in place of TOP4".
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WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID
Check the level frequently and ensure you have sufficient
fluid prior to going on long journeys.
To refill, undo the cap and pull out the telescopic
filler until it snaps into place. Top up with a mixture
of screen washer liquid and water, using stronger mixture
of screenwash liquid during winter months.
"Should the temperature drop below -20C the washer
fluid should be used undiluted."
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AIR & POLLEN FILTERS
If you drive in dry or dusty climates you should periodically
check both the air filter and pollen filters and replace
more frequently than indicated in the servicing schedule
to ensure maximum efficiency.
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TYRES
Every two weeks, and before long journeys, you should
check the tyre pressures of every tyre, including the
spare.
You should also periodically check the sidewalls for
signs of damage, abnormal swelling or irregular wear,
matters than can all arise as part of day in day out
driving. Tyres can also be affected by ageing - even
with no road use. Cracking of tread rubber and sidewalls
are signs of this.
The pressures should be checked when the tyre is rested
and cold. Pressure rises when you are driving so if
the check is carried out when the tyres are warm remember
to add 0.3 bar to the levels specified in your handbook.
To ensure the front and rear tyres wear evenly you
are advised to change the tyres over every 6 to 10 thousand
miles whilst keeping them on the same side of the car
so as not to reverse the direction of rotation.
"Remember that road
holding and safety depends upon having the correct tyre
pressures. Incorrect pressures also lead to uneven or
early tyre wear. Under inflated tyres lead to shoulder
tread wear whilst over inflation leads to central tread
wear. If the pressure is too low the tyre can overheat
causing irreparable damage"
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