[dropcap]D[/dropcap]ear readers,
Welcome back to auto Clinic of Motoring World International. A forum, where we discuss ways of making your auto machines last longer, decoding seemingly intractable problems you’ve experienced with your car.
Yes, I can hear certain reader asking: “What about the mail I sent months ago?”
Well, your Automan went on a short recess, as announced then. The clinic is open again.
Before dissecting your mails, please read this carefully:
Prevention: Best way to avoid trouble and make your car last longer is regular maintenance. Better still; be guided by your manufacturer’s manual. Oh! You bought a Tokunbo (imported used car), which did not come with a manual? It’s not a problem. Check this website for it: http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/
Lesson from My Experience with Tyre Pump
I used to have a compressor tyre pump, which I bought years ago in England. Instruction on a sticker attached to the pump read: “after every 10 minutes; leave the pump to rest for 10 minutes.”
I followed the instruction. And the pump lasted for over four years before bringing it with me to Nigeria.
On waking up one morning, I found one of my car tyres completely down. As usual, I started the engine, plugged the compressor pump into cigarette lighter hole and switched on the pump. Afterwards, I made a quick dash inside to make myself a cup of tea. Before I knew it, something else diverted my attention and I simply forgot I was pumping a tyre outside the house.
By the time I remembered, my engine must have idled for close to one hour. I rushed out. Alas, my compressor pump had packed up. It must have worked for more than 40 minutes, instead of 10 minutes. It never worked again. So painful, I lost it.
But the lesson from my damaged compressor is this: For failing to pay attention to engine oil level, temperature gauge, Automatic Transmission Fluid level, Clutch oil level and more, car engine, gear box, power steering or any other vital parts of the car can easily get damaged and be very costly to repair.
Therefore, lots of big spending on your car can be avoided by simply being observant and careful. While driving, listen to every slight sound and periodically look through your dash, as you fix your eyes at the road ahead.
That includes observation, communication and action. See? For instance, you are driving along the road, it’s important to fix your eyes on the road. But it’s equally vital to scan through your dash for any sign. Good thing about modern automobiles, aside making a cup of tea, is that they robotically talk to you.
- Your tyre pressure is low
- Your brake pad is bald
- Your brake fluid is low
- Your engine oil is low
- Your airbag is faulty
- Your engine is due for servicing
- Your engine is overheating, and so on.
So what I am saying is taking preventive measures can save you from huge spending on repair. Imagine having low engine oil level, and you do not bother to observe it. This can lead to engine seizure. Imagine having engine overheating, and you fail to notice, you can burn your gasket.
Imagine having bad battery, without observing how your car starts with difficulty or even sometimes fails to start. You might get stranded on the road.
Imagine not paying attention, when your car gives signs that you are about to have a flat tyre.
In fact, before starting your car first in the morning, check your engine oil, ATF, clutch and brake fluid levels. Also check your tyre pressure level, including the spare tyres.
After starting the car, check the headlamps and indicators.
It is here we shall end this re-introductory edition of Auto Clinic, only on Motoring World International. Next week, please watch out for another interesting edition. We shall serve you with an illuminating answer to a question mailed to us, regarding a car not starting in the morning.
Until then, please be careful out there.
Dear Motorists, have you experienced any intractable motoring problem from your automobile? For an explanation, solution or guide, send me an email, indicating the brand, model and manufacturing year of the vehicle. Please give as much explanation as you can about the problem.
And before you leave your home in the morning or embark on any long distance trip, check your tyres, ensuring there is no over-inflation or under-inflation. And also ensure you are not driving on expired tyres.
Be safety conscious.
Automan
Mail your questions to: autoclinic@motoringworldng.com
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