Mercury Classic Cars

Basic Car Maintenance

Maintenance Checks
Even though we recommend that you have your car regularly serviced to keep it in tip-top condition, there are plenty of things you can do in the way of regular checks and preventative maintenance. Here's a handy guide to some of the things you can do.

These are items that should be checked on a regular basis, about every 1000kms (625 miles) on modern cars, so that's about once a fortnight, and certainly before any long journey.

Safety First
When working under the bonnet of any car, take great care as the engine-cooling fan may be electric and could cut in at any moment. Don't wear loose jewellery or sleeves as they may catch on parts of the engine and either cause injury or damage.

Engine Oil Level
The car to be checked should be on level ground, handbrake on and the engine must have been switched off for at least 5 mins before the check to get an accurate level.

- Take out the dipstick - Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean lint free cloth - Replace the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go - Take out the dipstick again and read the level, there are usually two marks, Max and Min.

To top up the oil, again with the car on level ground, locate and remove the oil filler cap, add oil (consult your manual for the correct oil grade), a little at a time to avoid overfilling. Wait two minutes and check the level again with the dipstick. Continue adding oil and checking until the oil reaches the max indicator on the dipstick. Don't forget to replace the oil filler cap. If you have any doubts call us and we would be pleased to give you some further advice.

Power Assisted Steering Fluid Level
The power assisted steering fluid is held in a semi transparent reservoir and has two level marks, Min and Max, the fluid level should be between these marks when the car is on level ground and when cold. If you notice a change in level contact us as soon as possible to arrange for your car to have its system checked properly.

Coolant Level
The coolant is usually held in a semi transparent expansion bottle and has two level marks, Min and Max, the fluid level should be between these marks when the car is on level ground and when cold. To top up the coolant unscrew the top and add coolant according to the instructions in your handbook.

If your car has a radiator with a filler cap, with a cold engine, unscrew the cap and check the visible level in the radiator. The level should be to the neck of the filler, top up the level with water and replace the cap.

Battery
Most modern batteries are maintenance free and there are no checks you can perform except make sure the terminal connections are tight and not corroded. You must be careful when moving the battery as it contains sulphuric acid which is highly corrosive and which must not come in contact with the skin.

Brake Fluid Level
The brake fluid reservoir should be identified in accordance to your handbook. The brake fluid is contained in a semi transparent expansion bottle and has two level marks, Min and Max, the fluid level should be between these marks when the car is on level ground.

It is normal for the level to drop as the brake pads become worn but it should never fall below the MIN mark. Top up the reservoir by unscrewing the top and adding fluid. Use only fluid as recommended in your handbook.

Screen Washer Fluid
Once you have identified the screen washer reservoir, check the level, if it needs topping up remove the top and add water+windscreen washer fluid.

Screen Washer Jets
Sometimes, particularly in the winter the jets can become blocked or can squirt anywhere except where you want them to! Use a pin to unblock the small holes in the jets and tilt the small sphere (usually fitted) to alter the spray angle.

Tyres and Tyre Pressures
You should ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure in accordance with your handbook. Additionally, you should check for any excessive wear (1.6mm legal minimum) or sidewall damage.

You should also ensure that your spare tyre is properly inflated, and that you carry a wheel jack and wheelbrace.

Lights
Ensure that your lights are clean, that there is not any cracked glass, and all the bulbs are working.