Safety: Fuel Stop Checks

WHAT TO CHECK AT THE FUEL STOP

Filling station, petrol pumps, gas station, they have a lot of names but we decided to go with “fuel stop” - you know, the place where you fuel up.

FUEL LEVEL TYRE PRESSURES

Permission to type “duh!” The you ’ ve come here is to buy fuel. whole reason OIL LEVEL

The next obvious item to check is the level of your vehicle ’ s engine oil. Unless it’ s an electric car, of course. Be sure to double-dip: pull the dipstick, wipe it clean and return it. Then check the level on the second pull. Check the dipstick markings or consult your vehicle owner ’ s manual for the correct amount and type of oil to use. DO NOT overfill an engine, rather buy oil for later; if you ’ re unsure. WATER (COOLANT) LEVEL

BE CAREFUL as there is a risk of injury if the engine is hot and/or the coolant is boiling. Most modern cooling systems will allow you to gently release the pressure before checking the level. Top up with water if necessary. And now we have the holy trinity: oil, water and tyres. Make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure for the vehicle load - an index can usually be found in the driver ’ s door jam or inside the fuel filler cap. And don ’t forget to check the spare wheel, if you have one! BATTERY

This depends on the type of battery your vehicle is fitted with, as some modern ones are dubbed maintenance free. Older batteries use wet cells (in distilled water) and you can check their levels. WINDSCREEN

A clean windscreen is absolutely vital for road safety, especially on a long journey. If you want to go a step further, check the condition of your vehicle ’ s rubber wiper blades. At most large filling stations, you can find a selection of these at the 24-hour shop or adjacent workshop.

THE BASICS

• Double-check the engine oil via the dipstick. Some modern vehicles don ’t offer this any longer. • Check the coolant level very carefully, or get a friendly pump attendant to assist you. • Make sure that all tyres of your vehicle are at the right pressure for the current load. A chart can usually be found in the driver door jam or fuel filler door. • If your vehicle has a wetcell battery, you can also check the level of those. • Clean the windscreen and check the condition of those wiper rubbers.