One of the most important things you’ll need to do is check your oil levels regularly. This is because oil helps lubricate and cool your car, and without the correct levels it could start to damage your engine.
To check your oil levels, make sure the car is level, and then pull the oil dipstick out (the yellow one) and wipe it clean. Place it back in the engine and then pull it out again, and check whether the oil is between the max and min markers.
If there is not enough oil, find the oil filler cap and gradually refill the engine until there is a suitable amount. Doing this in stages, checking each time, ensures that you do not overfill the oil level. Make sure to use the same oil that is already in the car.
Tyre Maintenance
Tyre maintenance is also important, as any wear and cracking can result in a fine of up to £2500. Many modern tyres have tread wear indicators, which are bumps which show that the tyre should be replaced when the tread reaches these levels. Tyres should have no less than 1.6mm of tread left before being replaced.
Tyre Pressure is important to check, not only or safety reasons but also to ensure your car is performing at its most efficient. The correct tyre pressure, which can be found in your car’s manual, will give it the best miles to the gallon possible.
This can be checked with your own pressure gauge, or failing that, an air dispenser found at petrol stations. Always check the pressure of the spare tyre, too.
Checking your brakes
As a general rule of thumb, brakes should be checked every 10,000 miles to ensure they work. However, you might be able to feel signs of your brakes failing whilst driving.
For example, if the brake pedal feels loose, or has to be pushed all the way down to make any effect, then it is possible that there is not enough brake fluid in the system. Any squealing or screeching sounds are also an indication that there is something very wrong with the brakes.
To check the handbrake, see how far the lever has to be pulled up before the car feels secure. If it’s more than a few clicks then it’s likely that the cable or drums to the handbrake need checking.
And of course, if you require any repairs for your Vauxhall, then Megavaux is your one-stop shop for parts and spares.
