Car Service Tips

Checking Your Coolant Level

The coolant, like oil, is something your engine cannot go without and will cause damage and cause a car engine problem. Every engine is different but if you check your handbook you should find where the coolant reservoir is.

It will normally be bolted to one side of the engine bay or the other, and be a white semi-transparent bottle. Wait until your engine is cool and take a look at it – the outside should have ‘low’ and ‘high’ markings on it and the level of coolant inside should be between the two.

Usually the coolant level should be low when the engine is cold and high when the engine is hot.

Do not take the radiator cap off to check coolant levels.

If the coolant system is still hot then it is still under pressure and the pressure release may burn you.

If you follow this tip then this is likely to help your hip pocket come car service time.

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PHONE: 1300 368 863

Checking Your Oil Level

Checking your oils level is simple and easy and will show you if your engine needs oil. If the oil is too high or too low, it can cause car engine problems.

To check the oil, park on level ground and wait until the engine has cooled down after driving, then locate the dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it clean, then push it all the way back in until the top of it is seated properly in the dip tube again. Wait a moment then pull it out again. Check the level of the oil. If it’s between the high and low marks, you’re fine. The high and low marks can be denoted by two dots, an “H” and “L” or a shaded area on the dipstick. The photos provided below show a Honda dipstick which has the two dots.

Engine Oil Dipstick

Cleaning the Dipstick

Dipstick Oil Level

Why not just read the level first time around?

The first time you pull the dipstick out, it will have oil all over it and it will be difficult to tell where the level is. That’s why you need to wipe it on a rag to get a clean dipstick, then dip it back into the oil to get a good reading.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
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CALL 13 20 42
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Cleaning Your Engine

There are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one which will help prevent any car problems.

You’ll be more inclined to make routinechecks such as of belts and hoses if you know you won’t get covered with grime every time you do so. A clean engine will also make it much easier for your mechanic to spot leaks and to service components during your routine car service.

Remember to protect sensitive engine components (including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts) with plastic bags or wrap before getting started. Use dishwashing liquid or other grease-cutting detergents and a bristle brush to scrub engine and components surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Heavy-duty engine cleaning products are available at automotive parts stores. Follow the directions carefully.

Another alternative is to have your engine professionally steam cleaned.

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Superior Mobile Mechanics
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Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light and Maintenance

Modern cars now come with “OBD-II” (On Board Diagnostics 2). This great advancement in technology is a fault-registering system that is connected to sensors all over the car, engine, fuel and emissions system.

When the check engine light comes on, it can mean many things and to continue driving can cause car engine problems.

To date there are thousands of unique OBD2 codes that can be stored. Handheld OBD2 diagnostic tools can be plugged in to the OBD2 port which is commonly under the dash on the driver’s side or centre console or engine bay. Such tools have the ability to read out the fault code and/or reset the system to contain no codes. There are two main categories that these codes fall into: a. historical/inactive, and b. active. The historical codes are lists of things that have been detected in the past but are no longer an issue, whilst the active codes are things that are a problem right now. Codes are subdivided into B-codes (body), C-codes (chassis) and P-codes (powertrain).

The Most Common Fault Code: P0440 OBD-II code.

This is the most common code you’ll find. It is the first thing you should check. P0440 is the code for Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction which covers a multitude of potential faults. One thing it covers that you can check is your petrol cap (gas cap). Most new cars have a pressurised fuel system and vapour recovery loop. If you’ve filled up with petrol and not twisted the petrol cap until it clicks, you’ve not sealed the fuel system. It won’t pressurise and the OBD2 system will log a P0440 code.

This fault is so common, on a lot of cars the car will have some way of telling you to check the petrol cap. In some Honda’s, for example, if a P0440 code is logged, the dash scrolls “CHECK PETROL CAP” across the odometer display. So if you get a check engine light, check the petrol cap first and see if the light goes off.

Note: Even if the light does go off, the code will likely still be stored in the OBD system and will show up next at your next car service or the next time it is checked. If it isn’t the petrol cap then you’ll need to call for a technician to attend and diagnose the source of the code.

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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Oil Maintenance Light

Oil Level Maintenance and Oil Warning Light

Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will seize or die.

To prevent car engine problems and the need for an emergency car service do not drive your car when you see this light come on.

Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil levels – for example if your engine is burning oil.

Either way, you need to get it fixed, and fast. Low oil pressure has the potential to cause serious damage to the engine if not attended to promptly.

Regular servicing will assist in preventing damage to your engine and extending the useful service life of your engine. The choice of oil is also very important with modern cars requiring the application of specific or special oils.

To assist you with any oil queries for you car, call a professional service technician from our sponsors page to check your oil and lubrication system.

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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
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PHONE: 1300 368 863

Coolant Service Warning Light

Coolant Warning Light

This is normally the coolant level warning light. If this comes on it means that the level of coolant in your radiator is low and needs topping up.

DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT!

The coolant system is pressurised and it could easily release pressure and spray you with boiling coolant. Open the radiator cap only when the engine is cold. The cooling system should only be topped up with either a pre-mixed coolant or with distilled water.

DO NOT USE TAP WATER

The mineral deposits in it boil out in the cooling system and calcium gets deposited around the inside of the radiator making it less efficient (which will eventually cause it to fail). It’s always best to use pre-mixed coolant. The coolant mixture behaves as an antifreeze in winter as well as a corrosion-inhibitor to stop your engine rusting from the inside out.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au