We get taught so little about our cars in the UK that many of us are driving around in vehicles that are in a genuinely dangerous state. This video is one for everyone, especially those that might not know all that much about their car, so if you know someone like that please do share this video with them! This is 5 things everyone needs to know about their car!
Number One – Under-Inflated Tyres
According to TyreSafe, 56.8% of cars on UK roads are under-inflated – they say that accounts for a billion pounds wasted on fuel costs alone. They list 20% below recommended pressures as “dangerous”, or 40% below recommended as “very dangerous” – ie if your car recommends 36 PSI, 29 PSI is considered “dangerous” and 22 PSI is considered “very dangerous”. Low pressure means less grip, and less grip means less ability to turn, accelerate or stop especially in wet and cold conditions.
I made a full video on how to check your tyres, how to find the correct pressures and how to inflate them so do check that out after this one, but in short check them regularly – like once per month – and before long journeys. Buy a gauge – links in the description – and keep it in the car, or just use a petrol station inflator to both check and pump them up.
Number Two – Oil and other fluids
I’ve also done videos on both how to check for oil leaks, and how to check your oil level, so do take a look at those too, but it’s a good idea to check your oil while you are checking your tyres – once per month and before long journeys. Open the bonnet – the latch is normally in the driver or passenger footwell, release the second latch on the bonnet itself, often in the middle, then, with the engine off, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, slide it back in all the way, then pull it back out and look at the level ideally between the min and max lines. If it’s at or near low – or below – you need to top up. If it’s near or at maximum, leave it as is. Too much oil can also be a problem!
You shouldn’t use any old oil, your engine uses a specific type, so either ask a local garage to help, refer to the owners manual, or use a parts website like Halfords or Eurocarparts who can generally recommend options that will work well enough. When topping up, only add a small amount at a time and re-check the level before adding more if needed.
If you do notice your oil level is low, it’s worth checking for major leaks under the car as it isn’t normal to need to top up your oil more than once or twice in a year for most engines. Some models do have oil consumption issues but even still they generally don’t drink that much, so any major top ups – anything over 500ml – especially regularly would indicate an issue you should get checked out.
Coolant
Coolant is often coloured, normally green or pink/purple, and is also specific to your make and model. It’s often in a clear tank so you can see if it is between the min and max lines, if not you’ll need to top up. Again refer to experts, the manual or parts stores for the right type for you.
Brake fluid
Most cars on the road have a brake fluid level sensor that will warn you if the level is low – I can’t stress the importance of not just topping it up enough. You need to work out WHY the level went down FIRST, as if the brake lines are broken you won’t have any pressure going to your brakes to stop you.
Screenwash
This normally has a blue, sometimes yellow, cap, requires a 50/50 mix of screenwash and water, and just needs to be filled until it’s overflowing. Best to keep it topped up so you don’t actively run out while driving!
Other fluids
Power Steering fluid might be one to keep an eye on if you have it, many newer cars use electric power steering though so you won’t always have this. Again if this is going down you should find out why before just adding more.
Transmission oil isn’t one you normally need to worry about, I just wanted to include it so you have at least heard it exists. Same with differential oil, which especially if you have a front wheel drive car may be the same thing as your transmission oil.
Fuel. Obviously you need some for the car to run. It runs through filters which can often need replacing during some services, and if you can smell fuel around your car unexpectedly, it’s best to find the source before driving anywhere. Also you might have something like Adblue if you have a newer diesel – it’s used to reduce emissions and needs to be topped up fairly regularly.
Number Three – Brakes
Your brakes are important. Like, really important. So, please check them. Have a quick look while you are checking your tyre pressures – look at how thick the meat of the pad is, and run your finger across the face of the disc to feel for grooves and how thick the lip on the inner and outer edges are. If the pad doesn’t look like it has much meat left, or the disc looks like it’s getting pretty thin or heavily gouged, it’s time to get them replaced.
How to know there is a problem
You might hear a squealing while driving, either when pressing the brakes or just constant. This normally means the pads are worn and need replacing.
You might feel a vibration when braking, either the whole car or through the pedal, this normally means the brake disc is warped or has bad runout and needs replacing.
If the pedal feels unusually soft or you are pushing on the pedal a lot harder than usual to get the car to slow down that usually means there is either air in the brake lines or you have a leak. You shouldn’t drive the car once this starts happening, and you’ll need to inspect the system, find any leaks and repair them, and bleed the lines.
Number Four – Lights
For god sake people turn off your damn fog lights! This is what the icons look like – front and back – do not turn these on unless you can’t see 100m ahead of you due to fog.
Checking your lights is easy, turn them all on and walk around the car. You might need a friend to press the brake pedal and put the car in reverse, or if you park up against a shop’s glass windows you can look in your mirror to see if the lights are working.
Replacing bulbs is normally pretty easy, but most parts shops will happily take a few quid more to do it for you.
Number 5 – What’s that noise?
Our cars make lots of noises, some are harmless, some are signs of major issues. Here’s a rough summary.
Harmless Noises:
- Rattles from plastics inside the car
- Tyres scrubbing during tight turns
- Visual – some white smoke from the exhaust (especially when it’s cold outside/engine recently started) – it’s just condensation
To check sooner rather than later
- Squealing while driving
- Squeaky belts
Stop the car now
- Knocking/banging, especially accompanied by vibration, shaking or impacts
- Dragging sounds
- Slapping sound as you drive (flat tyre)
- Engine spluttering/stalling/knocking
- Visual – Plumes of white smoke out the exhaust
- Visual – blue smoke from the exhaust
Run
- Visual – smoke from the bonnet/fire
- Smell – smoke through the vents
That’s a rough idea anyway – and a hopefully quick look at 5 things I think everyone should know as a driver. Checking these basic and easy things will save your wallet, and can save your life. It’s a 5 minute job once per month and well worth doing. Like I said, do share the video with anyone you think should know all this!
