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Preventative Maintenance Inspection.
While some breakdowns are unforeseeable having
a preventative maintenance inspection done can often identify faults before they occur. For example wiring which may not be secured and chaffing
against sharp edges wearing away the insulation ready to cause a short circuit and a breakdown.
Your annual vehicle MoT test is a form of Preventative Maintenance Inspection to identify components corroded, or worn
or insecure that may cause a breakdown or threat to other road users.
However there are many items not covered by the
annual MoT inspection and a pass can mean that
a vehicle has only met a minimum standard of
roadworthiness. The credit crunch is affecting
many people and an attempt is often made to
reduce costs by extending service
intervals.
Vehicle Breakdown Assistance
Roadside Breakdown Health & SafetyDo not place yourself or others at risk.
Where recovery is likely to obstruct
flow of traffic inform the police.
If possible park straight ahead with your vehicle wheels pointing to a safe impact area (usually the left on uk roads),this
is in case another vehicle crashes into the rear of your vehicle whilst it is broken down.
If you need to exit from your vehicle do so from the safe side and not into the traffic flow.
If your vehicle has been repaired or becomes mobile take care when rejoining moving traffic.
Be aware that intermittent faults which may have occurred then apparently disappeared may reoccur without notice.Have
your vehicle checked out as soon as possible.
Only specialist vehicles and trained technicians should attempt to recover vehicles from motorway networks.
Battery test
This test identifies the ability of the battery to store energy for supplying the high current required to start your
vehicle from cold. The electrolyte level of the battery should be checked in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
A battery on a 12 volt system should be recharged when the open circuit voltage drops to below 12.2volts . If a battery is
to be recharged off the vehicle it should be done in a well ventilated area away from sources of ignition.
On a functional charging system the vehicle battery is recharged by the alternator during operation. Warranty on vehicle
batteries is usually one, two, three, or four years, and the longer warranty being a slightly higher price. Vehicle batteries
are designated specifically to each manufacturers vehicle. It is essential that the vehicle battery is properly secured when
fitted.
Symptoms of a defective battery are no ignition lights coming on , vehicle not starting ,charge warning light staying
on with the engine running. Battery faults can also be caused by defects in the vehicle charging system, or by wiring &
component faults causing current drain. Battery voltage which is too low or too high due to defective charging system can
have knock on effects on vehicle computer controlled systems including engine management and automatic transmission.
Alternator.
The purpose of the alternator is to provide electrical power for vehicle equipment and to supply energy to recharge the
battery as well. An alternator not charging can be caused by defective wiring , loose mountings, loose drivebelt , as well
as worn out components within the alternator. The alternator can be tested to a certain extent on the vehicle or removed for
bench testing.
Alternators on some later vehicles have their output controlled by the vehicle onboard computer.
Starter Motor.
Defects in starter motor operation can be caused by component failure within the unit or external component failure with
items such as battery , wiring, connections, ignition switch, immobiliser. etc
Timing belt.
The timing belt synchronises operation of Crankshaft, Valve s and camshafts . Sometimes fuelling equipment also. The cam
timing belt is a rubber toothed belt running on sprockets and pulleys. Failure of the cam timing belt usually has disastrous
effects for the rest of the engine with pistons colliding with valves. The cam timing belt and idler pulleys should be renewed
as part of scheduled vehicle servicing. Engine oil leakage onto the cam timing belt can also encourage early failure.
Engine cooling system
Failure of the cooling system can be caused by leaks due to perishing of rubber hoses or failure / corrosion of components,
or gasket failure. Signs are engine overheating, coolant leaks, engine not reaching operating temperature, failure of thermostats,
fans, etc.
Loss of engine coolant can
result in the engine overheating and a seized
engine or cylinder head / engine block damage.
Engine Oil.
Engine oil level should be maintained using the correct grade to manufacturers specification. Engine oil & filter
change is carried out as part of scheduled servicing.
Too little engine oil can result in component failure due to lack of lubrication. Too much can cause the running engine
to suck up the oil and use it as a fuel and accelerate to destruction. Waste engine oil requires safe handling and disposal.
Preventative maintenance to manufacturers specification will ensure your vehicle safety , life , and resale value.
This is just a brief overview and will be added to as I get time. There are many other items requiring regular maintenance
such as brakes, axles, gearboxes, lights ,etc.
Refer to your vehicle manufacturers handbook for further information.
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