BASIC FIRST-STARTING TIPS

CHARGE BATTERY If the battery hasn’t been touched since the car was parked, give it 12 to 24 hours until the cells are all gassing enthusiastically. Alternatively, let a smart charger take care of it.

CLEAN TERMINALS Clean the battery terminals and clamps with abrasive paper. Fit them tightly with a smear of petroleum jelly.

CHECK FLUIDS Check the coolant level in the radiator. Top it up if necessary with 30% mix of antifreeze and water. Check all other fluids, too.

CHECK FOR SPARK Turn the engine so that the points are closed. Switch on the ignition. Flick the points with an insulated object (eg, wood or plastic) until a small spark is seen at the contacts with each flick.

PRIME OIL AND FUEL Put gearbox in neutral Don’t depress clutch or operate choke or throttle. Turn the starter for 10 seconds. Wait 30 seconds and repeat. This should prime the petrol and oil pumps.

START IT UP Let it crank until the oil pressure lamp goes out, then pull the choke and let the engine fire up. Don’t rev the engine while it’s cold.

PUSH IN CHOKE Push the choke in as soon as the engine will hold a steady idle.

CHECK COOLING Let the engine warm up. Make sure the top and bottom radiator hoses are the same temperature, indicating that the thermostat has opened. Check that the electric fan (if fitted) cuts in at a sensible temperature.