EXTERIOR CHECKS

8 CHECK WIPERS

Inspect the wiper blades, looking for cracks or any perishing in the rubber. Operate the windscreen wipers and washers to make sure the washer jets are aimed at the windscreen, and that they are not blocked. Make sure the screenwash reservoir is topped-up with a mixture of screenwash and water.

9 CHECK HEADLIGHTS

Make sure the sidelights, dipped and main beam bulbs inside the headlights are all working properly, along with the indicators. If a bulb inside a headlight unit has failed, it can be accessed from inside the engine bay. There are rubber covers over the backs of the bulbs, and wiring plugs to disconnect before a bulb can be extracted.

10 REAR LIGHTS

Check the rear lights to ensure the taillights, indicators, fog-light, reversing light and brake lights are working. If a bulb needs to be replaced it’s an easy task – just lift the tailgate and undo two 10mm bolts to release the light unit. Unclip the plastic cover from the back of the light unit to access the bulbs.

11 CHECK FUEL CAP

Release the fuel filler flap and unscrew the fuel filler cap. Make sure it’s tethered to the filler flap’s hinge, and check the condition of the rubber seal around the cap. If it’s perished, it should be renewed to reduce the risk of diesel fumes escaping.

12 CHECK ELECTRIC WINDOWS

Run the engine and operate all of the electric windows to ensure they move up and down smoothly. We discovered the passenger and rear windows struggled to move up, so Lee sprayed a silicone grease down the vertical window channels, which fixed this problem.

13 CHECK FOR DEBRIS

Look through the front grille and extract any leaves and debris that may be obstructing airflow through the aircon condenser and coolant radiator. As shown here, leaves can collect underneath the condenser, and they may become forced up the back of it, blocking airflow to the radiator behind.