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Acropolis · 09-02-2005, 17:17

it dont matter what the engine looks like it what it runs like that counts.

things to check once a week

Oil Level
Water level, (and during colder months that there is enough anti freeze in there)
Power steering fluid level if fitted
Brake fluid level
windscreen washer level
tyre pressures
condition of tyres

the head gasket will only need replacing when it has blown, the cambelt should be changed at regular intervals, have seen some pretty nasty results from cam belts snapping and engines locking up all because the cambelt wasnt changed.

check the tightness of the fan belt, but ifyou tighten it dont over tighten it.

the oil should be changed regulary at least once a year minimum, and i would do it as soon as you can, saves any excess ware on the engine. periodicly check the condition of your brakes and if they start to feel like they aren;t performing like they should get them looked at, it dont take much to change a set of brake pads, you can do all 4 wheels in about an hour tops.

when it comes round for it's MOT take a good look round the car and see what you think it is going to fail on and then get the work done before hand, that way when you leave it until the last minute to get the new MOT you wont be trying to get it on the road quite as quick as the work has already been done.

if you look after it properly then it will go on for years and years, mine is 25 years old and still plogs along nicely but it does get looked after. After the head gasket went for a second time in 12 months earlier last year, it got a new head gasket, valves and seals, exhaust manifold, inlet manifold and a whole host of other things, most of which it didnt really need, but i thought well i have the engine in pieces so i may as well replace them now rather than having to take it all apart again to do them. saves a lot of money when ya do all the work yaself as well.

09-02-2005, 17:17	#41
Acropolis Inactive Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Midlands Age: 47 Posts: 79	Re: Car questions it dont matter what the engine looks like it what it runs like that counts. things to check once a week Oil Level Water level, (and during colder months that there is enough anti freeze in there) Power steering fluid level if fitted Brake fluid level windscreen washer level tyre pressures condition of tyres the head gasket will only need replacing when it has blown, the cambelt should be changed at regular intervals, have seen some pretty nasty results from cam belts snapping and engines locking up all because the cambelt wasnt changed. check the tightness of the fan belt, but ifyou tighten it dont over tighten it. the oil should be changed regulary at least once a year minimum, and i would do it as soon as you can, saves any excess ware on the engine. periodicly check the condition of your brakes and if they start to feel like they aren;t performing like they should get them looked at, it dont take much to change a set of brake pads, you can do all 4 wheels in about an hour tops. when it comes round for it's MOT take a good look round the car and see what you think it is going to fail on and then get the work done before hand, that way when you leave it until the last minute to get the new MOT you wont be trying to get it on the road quite as quick as the work has already been done. if you look after it properly then it will go on for years and years, mine is 25 years old and still plogs along nicely but it does get looked after. After the head gasket went for a second time in 12 months earlier last year, it got a new head gasket, valves and seals, exhaust manifold, inlet manifold and a whole host of other things, most of which it didnt really need, but i thought well i have the engine in pieces so i may as well replace them now rather than having to take it all apart again to do them. saves a lot of money when ya do all the work yaself as well.