Planning a long journey? Make sure that your car is safe for the road.

The summer is finally here and if you’re planning a long journey make sure you follow our checklist to ensure that you’re safe for the road.

1. Firstly and very importantly you will need to check that your tyres are at the correct pressure. To do this you will need to find out the correct pressure for your vehicle either in the vehicle’s manual, inside the petrol cap or inside the drivers door. At your nearest petrol station you should take off the dust cap, and then press the air gauge evenly onto the pressure gauge. If you are using a digital gauge you should only need to press a button in order for the air pressure to be read automatically. Once at the correct pressure remove the gauge and replace the dust cap. Remember to check the spare tyre too!

2. You should be checking the oil in your vehicle each month anyway but it is particularly important before a long journey. Pull the dipstick out. Clean it off on a bit of kitchen towel. Replace the back into the pipe. Pull the dipstick back out and note how high the oil is. It should be somewhere between the two engraved marks.

3. Check and top up your screen wash regularly- if not you could end up with an £1,000 fine and 3 points on your licence.

How to change a tyre

At one time or another it is more than likely that we will all get a flat tyre. Although you could always call roadside assistance, why not learn how to change a tyre yourself? It’ll save you both time and money!

Below we have set out how to change a tyre in just 8 simple steps:

Step 1: Firstly, (and most importantly), find a safe place to pull over and put your hazard warning lights on.

Step 2: Find the spare tyre, jack and wrench which should be in the boot of your car. Use the jack to raise the car off the ground, just enough so that the jack is supporting the car.

To find where the jack should be placed, look for a small notch on the wheels. It should be located just in front of the rear wheel wells & just behind the front wheel wells.

Step 3:  Remove the hub cap and loosen the lug nuts by turning the wrench counter-clockwise. You do not want to completely remove the nuts at this point. If the nuts are really tight you can stand on the wrench so that it takes your full weight.

Step 4: Pump the jack so that the tyre is lifted off the ground. Ensure that it is straight. If not, re-position. Then remove the nuts completely.

Step 5: Remove the tyre. If you place the tyre, flat, under the car. If the jack fails to work the car will have this to fall on instead.

Step 6: Place the spare tyre on the hub, replace the nuts and tighten.

Step 7: Carefully remove the jack and tighten the nuts completely.

Step 8: Put all the tools back in the car and you’ll be away!

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Quick Fixes for Pesky Problems

These 3 easy fixes will help you tackle small issues you are having with you car…from home!

1. Sticky locks.

If you are having issues unlocking your car don’t worry! All you need to do is colour in the end of your key with a pencil and insert the key into the lock. Try and move the key a few times and it should have freed up!

2. Rust

Stop your car from rusting by dipping steel wool in kerosene. Then buff the area that’s rusted and it should disappear!

3. Dents.

It seems a bit strange but a good way to get dents out of your car is to use a toilet plunger! Just place the plunger over the dent and the pump. The suction from the plunger should cause the dent to pop back out!

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Exciting New Job Opportunity!

We are in need of a senior Technician/Mechanic to join our friendly team based near Thame, just off J7 of the M40.

Working hours will be Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, and Saturday mornings on a rota.

The ideal candidate will be qualified to NVQ Level 3 or the equivalent. MOT qualified would be an advantage but training can be given to the right person.

Ongoing training will also be available.

We are offering an above average salary, dependent on experience, for the right person, as well as relocation costs if needed.

We are also in need of a Tyre Fitter/Mechanic to join our team.

If you are interested in either position please email Graham Pledge at: workshop@rcpservices.co.uk or call on 01844 278177.

RCP Service Centre,
Camp Industrial Estate,
Milton Common,
Oxon, OX9 2NP

 

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