Vehicle Chekclist Information Sheet
As the regular drivers for these vehicles you are the only people that can look after the vehicles and prevent potential issues, before they arise. I have put together some information that you may not have known, and will help you maintain your vehicles.
Oil light
As every one knows there is an oil light located in the instrument cluster of the vehicles, but not everyone knows what they are really for. The oil light is an oil pressure light. This means that when the engine is low on oil pressure the light is activated to make us aware.
Some people think that it is an oil level indicator light, and when the light comes on the oil should be topped up. This is not the case. When the oil pressure light comes on, and you continue to drive the vehicle you are doing irreparable damage to the engine.
This is why it is important to always check the oil level between services, and in cases where the vehicles are used for transport it is a good idea to check the oil every time you fill up with fuel, to catch potential problems before they arise. In saying this there are some vehicles that are fitted with an oil level indicator light or gauge. To check this, see your mechanic and ask, but most vehicles are only fitted with an oil pressure light.
Water level
Vehicles are fitted with a temperature gauge that has an indicator that works from cold to hot. This is there to tell the driver, what temperature the engine is running at. In most cases the gauge will stay at the half way mark when the vehicle is at operating temperature. With some vehicles the indicator may sit lower than half way, so it is important to know your vehicle and where these gauges normally sit.
When the temperature gauge moves up closer to the hot section it is possible that the vehicles engine may be overheating. If you continue to drive the vehicle when it is overheating, you may also do serious and expensive damage to the vehicle.
I will stress this point again; only open the radiator to check the water level when the vehicle is cold. It is best in the morning or if the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours as the cooling system is under pressure once it is hot.
All tyre pressures can be different especially when you are carrying heavy loads. As a general rule we use 32 Psi for passenger cars and 36Psi for larger vehicles, but if you are carrying heavy loads then the tyre pressures will need to be higher.
When checking tyre pressures you should also look at the tread wear patterns to see how your tyre is wearing and adjust the pressures accordingly.
Quick acceleration will wear tyres faster, and regular rotating and balancing of the tyres, from front to rear will also provide longer life from the tyres.
There is a tyre placard that is located somewhere on the body of the vehicle. This is a sticker that shows the recommended tyre sizes, load and speed ratings for the vehicle. This will also show you the recommended tyre pressures. The owner’s manual will show you the location of this sticker or alternatively your mechanic can show you its location.
These are just some of the things that you as the driver can check regularly to help maintain the vehicle. If there is anything else you would like to know please contact me on the details below and we can provide you with further information.