UNDERBONNET CHECKS

1 REMOVE ENGINE COVER

Whilst most of the checks inside the engine bay can be conducted without removing the top engine cover, it’s worthwhile taking it off to look for fuel and coolant leaks. The cover is clipped in position and needs a strong pull to release it from its three locating lugs/points.

2 TEST BATTERY

The battery is located in the nearside rear corner of the engine bay. Check the terminals are clean and secure – apply a smear of petroleum jelly. If you have a voltmeter or battery tester, check its voltage.

3 CHECK FUSES

There are two fuseboxes on the nearside of the engine bay. Release the plastic clips for their lids, then lift them off to look inside. Check for water ingress and corrosion. Make sure all the fuses and relays are fully seated and secure.

4 CHECK SCREENWASH

Top-up with screenwash. Operate the windscreen wipers to check they spray over the glass and headlights. Test the rear wiper as well. Afterwards, inspect the condition of the wiper blades.

5 CHECK LEAK-OFF HOSES

Inspect the leak-off hoses connected between the fuel injectors across the top of the engine. Look for signs of fuel leaks. The short lengths of hose can be replaced, but only fit a hose that is suitable for fuel.

6 CHECK AUX BELT

The auxiliary drive belt can be inspected from the offside of the engine bay. Look for cracks across the ribs. Try to twist the belt – a quarter of a turn is sufficient tension.

7 SQUEEZE HOSES

Check all of the coolant and boost hoses that can be seen inside the engine bay, looking for signs of perishing, leaks (coolant residue) and insecure clips.

8 CHECK BRAKE FLUID

The brake fluid reservoir is on the offside rear of the engine bay. It’s a translucent reservoir, so shine a torch on the side to check the level against the MIN and MAX markers.

9 CHECK & TEST COOLANT

The engine coolant expansion tank is located in the offside rear corner of the engine bay. Look at the side of it for the MAX marker. Top-up with whatever has been used before. Use an antifreeze hydrometer to check its cooling and freezing capacity.