Self Maintanance Tips 101

[Chuck]

Hi all...thought i would kick off this thread for the mechanically challenged like myself

What are some of the self checks you do to your Pogo to keep an eye on its health? Full explanations on how/what to look for would be much appreciated

[Chuck]

should the oil be checked when the car is cold or after a drive/while its running?

[gareth_oau]

ive been an office worker all my working life, but thanks to my first car and lack of money (and the pleasure of it) I did quite a lot of my own maintainance, including replacing cams, head gaskets etc etc.

These days, you dont need so much a spanner but an engineering or IT degree.

[Piotr]

should the oil be checked when the car is cold or after a drive/while its running?

Oil should be checked when engine is cold as its still in the sump not in the cylinders so you'll get a more accurate measurement.

[sports racer]

And on level ground.

Don't worry if the level is down, just as long as it's between the marks on the dipstick. If you need to top up make sure the oil goes in the correct spot and not in the radiator. Don't laugh, I've seen it done.

[Spec83]

Oil should be checked when engine is cold as its still in the sump not in the cylinders so you'll get a more accurate measurement.

This is incorrect... oil should be checked once the engine is at opperating temperature as the oil has become less viscous (thinner) and spread through the engine... This will give you a truer indication of oil level

[leasaunce]

2x^

warm up the car to normal idling, then let it cool for 15 or 10mins, and that will give you an accurate measurement

[poloplayer]

What should one do to stop their brakes from squeaking? (Caused by stones)

[Spec83]

Have them machined or I believe there is some form of anti-squeel spray you can get from auto shops

[Chuck]

noticed air pressure in tyres was off today....fill em up when cold or after a drive?

[Adam]

noticed air pressure in tyres was off today....fill em up when cold or after a drive?

cold cold cold

[Chuck]

i go 2 psi over what the factory recommendation is...i was 5 over today (hot as hell in Perth tho and driven pretty hard) - im thinking thats too much over the recomendation?

[gareth_oau]

I run mine at 38psi - harder gives more wall stiffness and better handling. also means longer tread life (just dont overdo it or you bulge the tread and get a wear strip down the middle).

also, recommend you get your own little tyre guage - the ones at garages are notoriously inaccurate

[leasaunce]

cold cold cold

never ever deflate a hot tyre!

You can inflate the tyres after driving, but it wont be accurate and from what i read, i think you need to put 8-10psi more than what you normally would put when the tyres are cold.

[poloplayer]

Have them machined or I believe there is some form of anti-squeel spray you can get from auto shops

Does that just blast the stones out of the brakes?