UNDERBONNET CHECKS

1 TOP UP SCREENWASH

Screenwash may be pretty low from clearing all those nasty summer bugs from the windscreen. Top it up via the reservoir neck underneath the blue cap at the front right-hand side of the engine bay. Add the correct ratio of screenwash and water until it reaches the neck top, as you can’t see much of the actual reservoir.

2 CHECK BRAKE FLUID

The combined brake and clutch fluid reservoir is up by the bulkhead. There’s a mesh filter over the top that is virtually impossible to remove, so you can’t really check the fluid strength using an electronic fluid checker. You can at least view the level through the transparent casing.

3 CHECK BATTERY

With no portholes or even a condition check window, you can’t verify the condition of the battery unless you connect a battery checker. Just make sure it’s all secure, lubricating the terminals and ensuring that they’re tight.

4 CHECK DRIVEBELTS

There’s good access to the auxiliary drivebelts on the right-hand side of the engine. You can see most of the belt without difficulty, although an inspection mirror will be useful. Look for any fraying, tearing or cracking and make sure there’s no more than half-a-twist of slack between the pulleys.

5 CHECK COOLANT

The expansion tank is tucked behind the radiator and difficult to see or top up – you’ll need a torch to check the fluid level through the transparent casing and a funnel if topping-up is needed. If you want to check the strength of the antifreeze with a hydrometer, do so via the radiator cap.

6 UNDO ENGINE COVER

While this Hyundai is refreshingly free from pointless plastic covers, you do need to remove a small one to get at the spark plugs. It’s on top of the engine and held in place by two 8mm bolts. Remove this and you’ll find conventional HT leads – no coil packs here.

7 CHANGE SPARK PLUGS

Pull off the four HT leads – using spark plug terminal pliers will make the task easier – then use a long-reach socket to undo the plugs and carefully remove them. You could always use a length of old fuel line to ‘grab’ and pull them out. Replacements are LKR6D-10E items.

8 CHECK FOR LEAKS

Check all hoses, pipework and wiring for noticeable problems. Squeeze the hoses to ensure they’re still supple. Also have a look at the engine mountings to make sure they’re not damaged. With the engine running, listen for any hissing, which could indicate an air leak.

9 CHANGE AIR FILTER

The air filter is on the left-hand side of the engine bay, adjacent to the battery, and the cover is held in place by just two clips. Undo these, pull out the old filter, then clean out the filter box with a damp cloth before putting in the new element.