Womens Training Course

WOMEN’S BASIC CAR MAINTENANCE COURSESpring 2011

EnKahnz Women’s Basic Car Maintenance

Things you’ll needA spare wheel.A Jack.A wheel Brace.

Secure the carBe sure to be on flat level ground. Put the car in first gear, and make sure the hand brake is on.

Remove the wheel trimThese usually can be just pulled off the wheel.

Slacken the wheel nutsSlacken the wheel nuts around the wheel with the wheel brace, in a crisscross pattern.If your car has an anti-theft locking nut remove this one first. You usually should be able to find the key in the glove compartment or boot.

Jacking the car upThe next step is to jack your vehicle up. It is extremely important that you jack the car up in the correct position. Each car has a different jacking point, so its important that you find the

correct one. The best places to look for these are in your vehicle manual, or the jack which came with your vehicle. Slide the jack under the car and slowly work the mechanism until your vehicle is up off the ground.

Removing the Old WheelRemove the slackened wheel nuts and place them somewhere safe. Pull the old wheel off the car. A good tip is to place the wheel underneath the car behind the jack. This is in case the car slips off the jack. Rather than crashing to the ground the wheel will stop the car, before extra damage is caused.

Changing a Wheel


Checking your spare wheelCheck your spare wheel, it may have information about safety of the wheel. For example, some spare wheels have a speed restriction in place as the wheel is a slightly different size to the original wheel.

Fitting the new wheel to the carPlace the wheel close to the car, and gently lift it onto the hub. Rotate the wheel slowly until you can see the sockets for the wheel nuts. Hold the wheel in place with one hand and place the wheel nuts you removed earlier back into the wheel. Tighten up by hand.

Lower the CarRemove the old wheel from underneath the car. Using the same technique from earlier in the method in reverse, lower the car down to the ground.

Tighten the NutsUsing the wheel brace tighten the slack wheel nuts as much as possible. This should be sufficiently safe for you to drive to your local garage, (hopefully us) to tighten your nuts properly using professional equipment. Also, don’t forget to arrange the repair of the damaged tyre/wheel.


Firstly, release your bonnet, lift it and secure it into place. Usually the release for the bonnet is in the drivers foot well. If you are unsure as to where this is your vehicle manual will have the information

To check the levels of your oil, locate the dipstick. Most modern vehicles have bright dipsticks. However if you are unsure, check your vehicle manual.

Pull out the dipstick, and wipe all the oil off with a cloth. You’ll notice that the dipstick should have a minimum and maximum line.

Place the dipstick back in its slot. Take the dipstick back out

and check to see where the oil comes to on the scale. If the oil is in-between the minimum and maximum lines you are okay to drive the vehicle. Replace the dipstick in its place.

If you need to top up the oil in the vehicle its important to remember to make sure your using the correct oil. Most engines use different oil, so the addition of the wrong oil could be bad for the vehicle. If you are unsure about which oil to use for your vehicle, ask your manufacturer or check you vehicle manual.

Locate your oil tank, it is usually the one with the oil tank symbol. If you are unsure as to where this is check your vehicle manual. Remove the cap and pour oil into the tank. You will need to keep repeating the oil checking stage to make sure you have the correct level. It is better to do this a couple of times rather than over filling. Over filling can be just as bad as having low levels of oil, so it is important to make sure you have the correct amount.

Checking and topping up engine oil


Painted surfaces can become chipped or scratched and if not treated will become corroded and lead to rapid deterioration.

After thoroughly washing you car, spray under the wings, and body sills with a high pressure washer or hose pipe.

Wash away any salt or grit that has been put on the roads during the winter months.

Any fittings such as mud flaps need regular washing off, as dirt and mud can get trapped and packed solid behind the mud flaps.

Don’t forget to check front and rear panels just below the bumpers for stone chip damage, check along sills for damage or corrosion and clean out apertures were the bonnet and boot fit to the body.

This is probably one of the easiest part of maintaining your vehicle.

With your bonnet open and safely propped, look for the opaque white plastic bottle with the picture of the windshield and wipers on the cap, which is usually blue.

Check to see if the levels of your washer fluid is low. Pop it open or unscrew it, and fill it up with the correct fluid.

If you are unsure about which fluid to use, check your vehicle handbook.

Body Work Inspection

Window Washer


Car wiper blades are important, they help you see the road ahead by keeping you windscreen clean whatever the weather.

However, your car wiper blades won’t last forever, and motoring organisations like the AA and RAC recommend changing them every 12 months.

You should check your wiper blades each time you wash the car. Lift the wiper blade away from the window and run a cloth down the blade to clean it, checking for cracks and splits.

If you need to change the blade, you will need to release the clip on the wiper blade. Remove the wiper blade from the screen.

To fit your new wiper blade, simply follow the steps in reverse. Clip your blade back on the arm, secure in place and push back to the window.

To check the current pressure, you will need a gauge. You can either buy one from a car accessory supplier (such as Halfords) or take the more convenient option - go and find a digital air dispenser - most supermarket garages and petrol stations will have one.

Find the owner’s manual and that should tell you the correct tyre pressure. The information might also be marked on the inside of the car (check the pillar of the driver’s door, the fuse box, or on the inside of the petrol flap). Once you know what your tyre pressure should be, set the appropriate PSI/BAR pressure on the machine (there should be instructions on how to do this on the machine and it is usually very easy to do).Attach the air hose to the tube on your tyre - you should be able to see the tube near the outer rim of the wheel. Remove dirt caps if applicable.

Repeat until all 4 tyres are correctly inflated.

Checking yourWiper Blades

Tyre Pressure


Firstly, release your bonnet, lift it and secure it into place. Usually the release for the bonnet is in the drivers foot well. If you are unsure as to where this is your vehicle manual will have the information

Locate your coolant expansion tank, most modern vehicles have bright caps and are labelled clearly. However if you are unsure, check your vehicle manual.

Most expansion tanks have a minimum and maximum mark on the outside and are made of clear plastic material. This is so you can check the levels without the need to open the tank. If the level of the fluid inside the tank is in between the minimum and maximum lines, there is no need to go any further.

If the level is under the minimum line, you will need to top up the system.

When topping up your system, you must make sure your using the correct coolant fluid. Some anti-freeze is watered down to different levels, so always check your manual to make sure you have the correct concentration.

It is important to remember to never change the fluid when the engine is hot, always leave it to cool down for at least a couple of hours. If your engine is cool, you can unscrew the cap to the coolant expansion tank, and pour in the correct fluid to the system up to the maximum line.

Checking and topping up your Coolant System


In Car Warning SignalsOil pressure warning light

This light should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and should extinguish as soon as the engine starts. If the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey, stop immediately, switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. Top up straight away if the level is low. If the warning lamp illuminates, even though the oil level is correct, do not start the engine and seek assistance.

Brake System Warning Light

This light will remain illuminated when the handbrake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the handbrake may indicate low brake fluid level or a sensor fault.

Take your vehicle to a dealer or garage as soon as possible.

Engine Warning Light

Illuminates when the ignition is switched on. It should extinguish as soon as the engine starts.

If it illuminates with the engine running, it indicates a malfunction with the engine management system. Have this checked as soon as possible.

If it flashes when driving, reduce the vehicle speed immediately until the light illuminates constantly. If it continues to flash, avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed, stop the vehicle and have it checked immediately.

With the light illuminated, the vehicle is still safe to drive as long as no other faults are apparent with the engine. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible.

Battery charge warning light

If this light illuminates while driving, your battery is not being charged as there is a fault with your charging system. If the drive belt is broken, it must be replaced before you restart the engine. The coolant system may rely on this belt and its failure could cause the engine to overheat, in turn causing engine damage. Immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. Do not restart the engine and seek assistance.


In Car Warning SignalsABS Warning Light

When the ignition is switched on, the light

illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.

If it illuminates when driving, it indicates a malfunction. Have this checked as soon as possible.

Normal braking (without ABS) will generally be maintained and many cars will be safe to drive on, but some will not - check the handbook for advice.

Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible.

Fuel filter water trap (diesel engines)

This light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and should extinguish after a few seconds.

If it illuminates while driving, it indicates that water has been detected in the fuel filter.

This light warns you that the amount of accumulated water in the fuel filter has reached the specified level.

Normally the vehicle is quite safe to drive, but have the accumulated water in the fuel filter drained off as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has just been refuelled immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. The fuel may have been contaminated and could cause damage to the injection system. Ask for Assistance as soon as possible.

ABS & Brake System Warning Lights

If both warning lights illuminate at the same time when driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Reduce vehicle speed gradually and immediately move the vehicle to a safe location. Use the brakes with great care. Do not step on the brake pedal abruptly. Seek assistance.


Unfortunately accidents happen. When they do always remember that despite the threats and pressure from your insurer the law states that you can use an approved repairer of your own choice. Stand your ground. It is your vehicle and you can choose to have it repaired at EnKahnz.

Enkahnz is an independent approved repairer and we will assist you with this. If in doubt telephone us or visit our web site for advice.

We are members of and regulated by VBRA, NCCA, SEMA and the Guild of Master Craftsmen. We also follow the OFT code of conduct, and are working towards Thatcham BSI Kite Mark.

Your Vehicle, your choice of repairer


We understand the nature of the inconvenience caused by an accident, so after you call us, we keep your best interests in mind. We provide a complete professional one stop accident management service, from the recovery of your vehicle, providing you with a courtesy car or a like for like vehicle in a non-fault accident. We make sure you carry on with your daily routine while helping you recover any losses occurred.

We have a fully secured 20,000 sq ft state of the art workshop, fully equipped with the latest spray booths and computerised jigs. Armed with award winning technical skills EnKahnz offers a service that repairs you vehicle to manufacturer standard, using equipment approved by BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes, Renault and Toyota to ensure the best possible results.

EnKahnz is the UK’s leading accident management and vehicle customizing boutique. Founded in 2003 the company is driven by investing artistic flair and surpassing skills.

Call us on 01274 735 999 to find out what we can do for you.

If you have an accident, call EnKahnz and we can take the stress out of the process of having your car repaired.

We’ll recover your vehicle• Provide you with a • replacement carDeal with your insurance • company, Repair your vehicle to • manufacturer standards And even fight for your • personal injury claim.

For any car maintenance work you don’t feel comfortable with, or if you have any other questions regarding vehicle repair don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Womens Training Course

Documents

Transcript of Womens Training Course