UNDERBONNET CHECKS

1 TEST BATTERY

The battery is located in the nearside of the engine bay. Check its voltage with the engine off and also with it running to check if it is being recharged. Clean the ‘+’ and ‘-’ terminals and coat them in petroleum jelly.

2 REPLACING A BATTERY

If the battery needs renewing, it’s secured with a single clamp across the front edge, which can be released with a 12mm socket and long extension bar. Space is tight to undo the 10mm nuts for the battery terminals. We fitted a new battery from GSF Car Parts.

3 CHECK FUSES

There’s a fusebox located behind the battery, inside the engine bay. Release the clips for its lid to look inside and check that none of the fuses have blown or are corroded. A plastic removal tool should be inside to help extract and fit the micro fuses.

4 TEST COOLANT

There’s a coolant expansion tank in front of the battery. Shine a torch on the side of it to check the coolant level. Release the pressure cap that’s to the left of the expansion tank (check the engine is cold first), then test the coolant with an antifreeze hydrometer.

5 CHECK COOLANT HOSES

From the nearside front of the engine bay, the top and bottom radiator hoses can be inspected and checked for leaks and damage. Providing the engine is not hot, pinch the hoses to look for damage. Check all hose clips are secure and correctly fitted.

6 TOP-UP SCREENWASH

The windscreen washer reservoir’s filler is behind the offside headlight. Space is a little tight to angle and pour in a large container of pre-mixed screenwash, so it may be easier to use a small concentrate bottle, then add water with a watering can.

7 TEST BRAKE FLUID

The brake fluid reservoir is tucked up on the offside rear of the engine bay. There’s not much room to undo the plastic cap and manoeuvre a brake fluid tester inside to check the moisture content, but it’s worth testing. The brake fluid should be changed every two years for DOT 3 or 4.