Battery Inspection
Inspect the battery's fluid levels and the terminals for any corrosion. Remove the vent caps (older style batteries) or cell covers (low maintenance batteries) and top up with distilled water until the cell plates are just covered. Make sure the electrical cables are tight on the battery terminals.
Note: Your battery is potentially dangerous, so don't check it near a naked flame or somebody who's smoking. Batteries produce an explosive gas when they charge, and the fluid inside is corrosive, so avoid any contact with eyes, skin, clothing and painted surfaces
Engine Oil
Make sure your car is on level ground. Start the engine, let it run for a short while, then turn it off. Remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean cloth. Push the dipstick back into the oil stem/hole and then remove it again. The oil level should reach the full markings on the dipstick. If the oil level is below these markings you need to add extra oil (see owners manual). Note: Do not run your engine if no oil is showing on the dipstick.
Radiator Coolant
Check to see if the coolant level is up to the correct mark on the coolant reservoir. The level should be between the high and low marks. If necessary, add the required amount of coolant or water to the reservoir. Some earlier model cars do not have a coolant reservoir and the radiator cap needs to be removed to add fluid. Always be sure that the engine is cold before removing cap then add fluid to the top of the radiator. If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere, which can cause problems. Get your mechanic to take a closer look.
Note: Never check your coolant level when the radiator is hot. Always make sure it's cool to avoid serious injury or burns. And never mix coolants or inhibitors of different brands.
Brake and/or Clutch Master Cylinder
Depending on the type of master cylinder on your car, brake fluid may be added as your brake pads wear. If your car is fitted with a metal reservoir and lid type master cylinder then remove lid and check level. Add the required amount of fluid until it is about 6mm from the top of the reservoir. On the other hand, if your car is fitted with a plastic reservoir, remove the screw on plastic lid/s and top up with fluid to the maximum mark.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
This should be checked with the car parked on a level surface and engine running. Some cars must be in Park while others in Drive to gauge the correct level (see owner's manual). Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a cloth then insert it back into the slot. Remove the dipstick again, and the fluid level should read between the full and add marks depending on the temperature of the engine. Add the required amount of automatic fluid if necessary.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid with the engine switched off. Remove the pump reservoir cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth. Replace the dipstick, then remove it again and check the level. This should read between the "hot" and "cold" mark on the dipstick. If necessary, add the required amount of power steering fluid if the level is below the "add mark". A loss of fluid from either the automatic transmission or power steering could indicate a leak, so notify your mechanic.
Tyre Pressures
It is important to check your tyre pressures as this will increase performance, economy, and tyre life. Check and adjust pressure when tyres are cold. You'll find your car's correct tyre pressure on the tyre placard on the inside of your glove box, fuel cap filler, or inside the driver's door opening. You should check for a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm on any part of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Tyres have indicators in their tread pattern which show (as lines across the tread) when worn down to 1.6 mm. Check your tyres for abnormal wear or damage (such as cracks, bulges or tears).
Note: You should buy your own tyre gauge to check pressure because service station gauges may not be accurate.
Headlights
Make sure all your lights are working, including high beam, stop and reverse lights. If you can't get someone to help you, drive your car up to a wall (or some reflective surface) and look for the reflection. Reverse to the same reflective surface to check your rear lights.
Things to keep an eye on while driving
Stop your car and check immediately if:
a warning light remains on
you feel any unusual vibrations
your temperature gauge reads hot
you hear any unusual noises
your oil pressure gauge reads low
your vehicle has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
you experience any abnormalities when braking.
You should also get your car to a mechanic as soon as posssible if it:
uses more fuel or oil than usual
is difficult to start
runs roughly
leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
blows smoke.
