Fluids, lights, wipers and belts: the ten-minute routine that prevents most breakdowns. No tools needed — just your eyes and a cloth.
1. Oil level
Park level, wait five minutes, pull the dipstick, wipe, dip again. Between the marks is fine; below means top up with the grade on your oil cap and watch for leaks.
2. Coolant and washer fluid
Coolant should sit between min and max when cold — never open it hot. Top up washers with proper screenwash, not plain water, so the jets don't clog.
3. Lights and wipers
Walk around with hazards on: headlights, brake lights, indicators, plate light. Streaky wipers smear instead of clearing — replace the blades yearly.
4. Tyres and belts
Pressures against the door sticker, a glance for cuts and bulges, plus a peek at the drive belt for cracks or shine. Anything odd gets a photo and a free check with us.
5. The listen-and-sniff test
Start up with the radio off. New squeals, rattles or smells get written down with when they happen — cold, turning, braking. That note saves your technician an hour.
