ElDopesta
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Seeing as Winter is almost upon us, I have decided to put together a short Check List that will help ensure that Your Evo will make it through to Spring without any hiccups.
These checks are fairly straight forward and should not take longer than 30 minutes or so to carry out and are put forward with your safety in mind so please do not ignore them!!!
BATTERY
Check your Battery for corrosion and make sure the terminals are clean and dry as this will help keep the Battery fully charged. If you have some Copper Grease or similar then apply some over the terminals and connectors as this will help keep them free of moisture deposits etc.
ALTERNATOR
It is advisable to check the discharge voltage of your Alternator if possible. This can be easily done by using a voltage tester. An Alternator that is generating at optimum efficiency will read at around 14.4V to 14.7V.
If it is below that amount then you will need to keep a regular eye on it. If it is 15V or over, you will need to replace it as soon as possible as it will cause damage to the Battery.
COOLANT/ANTI FREEZE
In the winter anti-freeze prevents freezing, which would overheat the engine as it would stop/hinder the flow of the fluid. Make sure you use the correct concentration or go a little stronger.
ENGINE OIL
For those of you who do not know how, you can check your oil level and condition by removing the dipstick
If the oil looks black then it is time to change both the Oil and the Filter.
Always check the Oil level when the engine is cold.
AIR FILTER
If it is a Panel Filter then inspect it for dirt and tears in the paper. Replace it if necessary.
This would be a good time to remove all dirt and foreign body deposits in the Air Box too!
If it is an after market Cone or Mushroom type then remove it and clean it thoroughly. A little blow out with compressed air will work wonders!!!
If you do not have access to a compressor then try the one that you use to pump your tyres with at your local filling station
HEAD/BRAKE LIGHTS
Ensure they are clean and free from damage.
BRAKES
Check that your brake fluid is topped up to the MAX Level and that your brake pads discs have plenty of life left in them.
Ensure that your Evo can still stop on a nail and the ABS system is working fine too as when the roads get icy you don't want to end up skidding all over the place!!!
TYRES
The usual conditions associated with Winter are Snow and poor visibility. These however, are not as dangerous as black ice which is not noticeable unless you know what you are looking out for. Due to this, it is essential to make sure your tyres are in good all round condition and if they are Directional then make sure they are the right way round too.
Check to ensure that your Space Saver or Spare are in good condition and that you have the Scissor Jack and Wheel Brace too!!!
If you have a heavy right foot and can afford them, get hold of a set of Winter/Snow Tyres.
WIND SCREEN
If you have any chips or cracks, it is essential that you have these repaired right away as once these cracks or chips are filled with water/moisture and freeze over, they will end up cracking further.
Most repairs are free through your Insurance Company.
As for replacements, they are around £50 through your Insurance Company and DO NOT affect your no claims bonus.
SCREEN WASH
Always ensure that your Washer Fluid Bottle is topped up to the specified amount with an adequate Windscreen Washer Fluid.
There are always cheap offers on at Super Markets and Filling Stations but they are not always the best option as they are ready mixed fluids that are not really worth the money in my opinion.
I advise that you shop around and try to buy Washer Fluid that requires you to mix it yourself as you can have a stronger mix for when it gets really cold, or if you do quite a bit of Motorway driving.
WIPER BLADES
Wipers Blades are essential in clearing the view through your Wind Screen in case you did not know that already :whistling: :whistling: :whistling:
Check for cracks or splitting and replace them if required. I do know some people that only replace the damaged Blade but that is just ridiculous in my opinion as they are best changed in pairs.
It would be a good idea to keep a couple of blankets and water proof jackets in the boot as well as some Mars Bars in the Glove Box for those just in case moments!!!
If you do not have Break Down Cover then now might be a good time to purchase some
You know what they say.....better safe then sorry!!!
El
These checks are fairly straight forward and should not take longer than 30 minutes or so to carry out and are put forward with your safety in mind so please do not ignore them!!!
BATTERY
Check your Battery for corrosion and make sure the terminals are clean and dry as this will help keep the Battery fully charged. If you have some Copper Grease or similar then apply some over the terminals and connectors as this will help keep them free of moisture deposits etc.
ALTERNATOR
It is advisable to check the discharge voltage of your Alternator if possible. This can be easily done by using a voltage tester. An Alternator that is generating at optimum efficiency will read at around 14.4V to 14.7V.
If it is below that amount then you will need to keep a regular eye on it. If it is 15V or over, you will need to replace it as soon as possible as it will cause damage to the Battery.
COOLANT/ANTI FREEZE
In the winter anti-freeze prevents freezing, which would overheat the engine as it would stop/hinder the flow of the fluid. Make sure you use the correct concentration or go a little stronger.
ENGINE OIL
For those of you who do not know how, you can check your oil level and condition by removing the dipstick
If the oil looks black then it is time to change both the Oil and the Filter.
Always check the Oil level when the engine is cold.
AIR FILTER
If it is a Panel Filter then inspect it for dirt and tears in the paper. Replace it if necessary.
This would be a good time to remove all dirt and foreign body deposits in the Air Box too!
If it is an after market Cone or Mushroom type then remove it and clean it thoroughly. A little blow out with compressed air will work wonders!!!
If you do not have access to a compressor then try the one that you use to pump your tyres with at your local filling station
HEAD/BRAKE LIGHTS
Ensure they are clean and free from damage.
BRAKES
Check that your brake fluid is topped up to the MAX Level and that your brake pads discs have plenty of life left in them.
Ensure that your Evo can still stop on a nail and the ABS system is working fine too as when the roads get icy you don't want to end up skidding all over the place!!!
TYRES
The usual conditions associated with Winter are Snow and poor visibility. These however, are not as dangerous as black ice which is not noticeable unless you know what you are looking out for. Due to this, it is essential to make sure your tyres are in good all round condition and if they are Directional then make sure they are the right way round too.
Check to ensure that your Space Saver or Spare are in good condition and that you have the Scissor Jack and Wheel Brace too!!!
If you have a heavy right foot and can afford them, get hold of a set of Winter/Snow Tyres.
WIND SCREEN
If you have any chips or cracks, it is essential that you have these repaired right away as once these cracks or chips are filled with water/moisture and freeze over, they will end up cracking further.
Most repairs are free through your Insurance Company.
As for replacements, they are around £50 through your Insurance Company and DO NOT affect your no claims bonus.
SCREEN WASH
Always ensure that your Washer Fluid Bottle is topped up to the specified amount with an adequate Windscreen Washer Fluid.
There are always cheap offers on at Super Markets and Filling Stations but they are not always the best option as they are ready mixed fluids that are not really worth the money in my opinion.
I advise that you shop around and try to buy Washer Fluid that requires you to mix it yourself as you can have a stronger mix for when it gets really cold, or if you do quite a bit of Motorway driving.
WIPER BLADES
Wipers Blades are essential in clearing the view through your Wind Screen in case you did not know that already :whistling: :whistling: :whistling:
Check for cracks or splitting and replace them if required. I do know some people that only replace the damaged Blade but that is just ridiculous in my opinion as they are best changed in pairs.
It might be worth noting at this point too that KwikFit offer a free Winter Check which is something that I advise every one to utilise if possible!!!
It would be a good idea to keep a couple of blankets and water proof jackets in the boot as well as some Mars Bars in the Glove Box for those just in case moments!!!
If you do not have Break Down Cover then now might be a good time to purchase some
You know what they say.....better safe then sorry!!!
El
