PAPER making! g FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL Volume 6, Number 1, 2020
DON’T FORGET THE OIL ! SIX THINGS THAT NEED TO BE FILLED UP IN A VEHICLE Drivers have been reminded of six things which should be kept topped up in their car and van – to avoid unsafe driving conditions and a hefty repair bill. Vehicle experts from LeaseCar.uk have warned drivers that forgetting to fill up gas, oil and antifreeze could leave them with a hefty bill. Problems can be caused if liquids such as oil aren’t kept at the required level, as this is what the vehicle needs to lubricate its mechanics. Various liquids are essential to ensure systems within the vehicles are able to run smoothly without causing an issue. A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “You can’t really forget about filling up petrol, otherwise your vehicle wouldn’t run at all! But there are a few other things which should be regularly checked and topped up if necessary, which are sometimes easier to forget. It’s often a case of out of sight, out of mind, but these are standard checks that won’t take long to do, so it’s important to keep on top of them.” 1. Fuel Whether this be petrol, diesel, or even electricity – fuel is needed to ensure your vehicle can start. Its perhaps the easiest thing to remember to fill up as your car will let you know when it’s running low, but you should be careful not to take risks and always have plenty of fuel left in your tank for any planned journey. 2. Washer fluid There’s nothing more annoying than having a dirty windscreen and realising you can’t clean it because your washer fluid has run out – but it can be quite dangerous too. This should be regularly filled up to ensure your vehicle is to a safe standard and able to drive. 3. Oil You can check how much oil your car has, and whether it needs filling up, using the dipstick under the bonnet. Pull it out and wipe it clean, then dip it into the oil tank, and see where it comes to between the ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ lines. Oil is needed to ensure the engine runs smoothly, and without it could cause serious – and costly – problems. 4. Air Your tyre pressure can change regularly, but it’s important to check regularly to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. The correct pressure for your tyres will be detailed in the vehicle’s manual. Ensure you check your tyres before a long journey, but they should also be checked and filled – if needed – every few weeks. 5. Air freshener People that spend a lot of time in their vehicles will want to make sure it’s clean, and an air freshener can help keep pungent smells at bay. Some tradespeople can spend nearly all day in their van, so topping up or replacing air fresheners when they run out will ensure your vehicle smells nice and fresh, and is a pleasant environment to be in. 6. Anti-freeze Antifreeze should be topped up regularly with the liquid used for your engine’s cooling system – especially at this time of year when cold snaps are always imminent. If the water was allowed to freeze it could expand and break the radiator, which would leave you with a hefty bill to cover.
Article 13 – Driving Issues
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