Souhan's Shop Garage & Filling Station

Tyre Pressures*

Important for safety, ride and fuel economy
Tyre pressures are quoted for cold tyres and will be specified in the car handbook. They may be shown on a sticker inside the fuel filler flap or driver's door.
Generally two figures will be quoted – one for 'normal' use and a higher figure for full loads. Be sure to adjust the pressures to suit the conditions.
If you don't know the correct tyre pressures refer to the vehicle manufacturer's customer services department.
Correct tyre pressure is important for several reasons:

  * Tyre life – under or over inflation increases wear
  * Fuel economy – under inflation increases fuel consumption
  * Safety – under or over inflation will affect grip and braking performance
  * Ride – over inflation can result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride

Check pressures every two weeks with the tyres cold using a reliable/accurate tyre pressure gauge.
Pressures should only be checked when cold which means the car should not have driven for hours prior to checking
At the same time, examine the tyres for any cuts, or bulges which must be checked out by a professional if found – a bulge in a tyre indicates internal structural damage and the tyre must be replaced.
The tyre must also be replaced if you find cuts deep enough to reveal the internal structure of the tyre.

Not Sure what tyre pressure is right for you car.... ?

Click Here  to link to see a Tyre Pressure Guide

How To Put Air In Your Tyre*

(WARNING – Over inflating your tyre could cause severe damage and personal injury. Find the correct pressure as shown above.)

Park your car close enough to the air hose so you can reach all four tyres.
Take the tyre valve cap off of one tyre (the valve is the little black lid, about 1cm long and the same width as a pen lid). Normally you don't need to remove the hub cab.
Press the little hose lever at the very end of the hose in and clip the hose onto the tyre valve (If you can hear air escaping then the hose is not on correctly).
Press the metal lever on the air hose while watching the gauge untill in reaches the correct pressure reading. If over inflated press the metal lever half way to deflate your tyre. Click the hose lever to remove it from the valve and screw the valve cap back on. Repeat for each tyre. If you require any assistance please always feel free to ask a member of Souhan's Staff .

Coolant Levels*
( Caution! Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious scalding could be caused by hot fluid under high pressure escaping from the radiator. Wait until the engine and radiator cool down. )

Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below the "MIN", add coolant up to the "MAX" level.
If the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator When the engine is cold. If coolant level is not at the top of the radiator, fill with undiluted coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the "MAX" level.

NOTE: Some older vehicles do not have a coolant reservoir tank. If this is the case for your vehicle, then just remove the radiator cap and check the coolant is up to the filler opening.That's it. The coolant level has been checked.

General Checks*

* Tyres
* Lights
* Reflectors
* Indicators
* Horn
* Engine Oil Level
* Windscreen Washer Fluid Level
* Braking Fluid level
* Power Steering Fluid Level

Tyres
Minimum 1.6 mm deep treads across 75% of the tyre. Regular check inner outer walls for cuts, bulges.
Check for uneven wear (caused by wheel misaligned usually result of hitting kerbs !!!)
and at correct pressure, use air pressure gauge, most garage forecourts. Check when tyre cold. Find correct pressure in owners car manual.

Oil
Dipstick Used to check the level of oil in engine.
Way to Use: Ensure engine off and cold, car on level ground. Remove dipstick, clean, replace and remove again, then check level of oil is between Minimum - Maximum marks on the stick. Finally replace again.
If necessary top up engine with correct oil. Identify oil filler cap

Windscreen
Windscreen Washer Fluid . Identify Container and check the level against markings.

Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Identify Reservoir. Check fluid level Min - Max on side of Brake Fluid tank

Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Identify Reservoir, Check fluid level Min - Max marks on side of container. (If car has power steering and if hydraulic ) Some cars may have an electric power steering motor, in which case there will be no power steering fluid reservoir.

Lights
Switch on, Walk around car if necessary, otherwise ask someone to help.
Check all lenses are clean and free of cracks, holes. Reflectors. Look, check that clean, unbroken. Indicators. Switch on, walk around car or ask someone to check Also if one lamp gone that side will flash double speed. Check lenses clean and unbroken. Brake Lights. Switch on engine. Press brake pedal. Ask someone to check. If on your own, reverse car up to a window or any reflective surface. (Light colored wall for example). Or some modern cars have warning tell-tale lights in dash.

Brakes
Should not feel spongy. Brake gently after you move off. Should pull evenly.

Handbrake
Pull on. It should stay up (Ratchet engages OK)
and that it is not at the end of its travel, ie Good tension on handle

Power Steering
Difficult to turn if not working. To check, Turn the steering wheel slightly, first with engine on, then with the engine switched off. If the power steering is working should be a marked difference between two conditions. Otherwise no difference.

*(All above information should be checked in your own car's manual as specifications for all cars can differ )

As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise, vibration, shimmer, or you note some leak or any warning light comes on while driving or anything that seems to be irregular - have your car inspected. It's definitely better to check any small problem before it will cause something serious.