MOT - car stood 3 years
Discussion
Take the long route to the test Center, ensure that you get the car fully up to temperature. Check all fluids before you leave, check all the lights work. On the way there, exercise the handbrake by repeatedly applying it partially whilst moving, releasing again when you can feel the brakes dragging.
Consider a major service inc. cambelt if it has one. It'll probably need it.
When you leave your car's parking space, pull forward 20ft and check it hasn't left any fluid behind on the Tarmac.
Consider a major service inc. cambelt if it has one. It'll probably need it.
When you leave your car's parking space, pull forward 20ft and check it hasn't left any fluid behind on the Tarmac.
Basic checks I do.
Bleed the brakes through.
If possible drive the car back & forth a bit jamming on the brakes to help clear a bit of surface rust off the discs, really need a good run though.
Turn all lights on & check they work. Apply foot brake with all lights on to check brake light operation does not affect running lights, same with indicators & fog lamp(s). I found my reversing light did not work as the base of the bulb had become corroded. A bit of sandpaper cured this.
Check wiper blades have not perished.
Check wipers & screen wash still work.
Check horn.
Put foot with flat sole shoe over the end of exhaust if possible to see if the engine slow to check exhaust integrity. Do not do if engine has been running a long time as you could melt the sole of your shoe.
Check tyre pressures.
As said before, might be worth just putting it in for a test then seeing what needs doing.
Bleed the brakes through.
If possible drive the car back & forth a bit jamming on the brakes to help clear a bit of surface rust off the discs, really need a good run though.
Turn all lights on & check they work. Apply foot brake with all lights on to check brake light operation does not affect running lights, same with indicators & fog lamp(s). I found my reversing light did not work as the base of the bulb had become corroded. A bit of sandpaper cured this.
Check wiper blades have not perished.
Check wipers & screen wash still work.
Check horn.
Put foot with flat sole shoe over the end of exhaust if possible to see if the engine slow to check exhaust integrity. Do not do if engine has been running a long time as you could melt the sole of your shoe.
Check tyre pressures.
As said before, might be worth just putting it in for a test then seeing what needs doing.
"On the way there, exercise the handbrake by repeatedly applying it partially whilst moving, releasing again when you can feel the brakes dragging"
Do not under any circumstances do this on a public road, I've seen first hand the results when suddenly the handbrake is more effective than expected resulting in a spin and a multiple collision.
Very, very foolish and ill conceived advice.
Do not under any circumstances do this on a public road, I've seen first hand the results when suddenly the handbrake is more effective than expected resulting in a spin and a multiple collision.
Very, very foolish and ill conceived advice.
MercScot said:
"On the way there, exercise the handbrake by repeatedly applying it partially whilst moving, releasing again when you can feel the brakes dragging. However, do not under any circumstances do this if you're totally clueless about driving or are prone to sudden accidental handbrake turns, or are driving a Mercedes with one of them rubbish handbrakes which is applied by foot and released by hand"
Do not under any circumstances do this on a public road, I've seen first hand the results when suddenly the handbrake is more effective than expected resulting in a spin and a multiple collision.
Very, very foolish and ill conceived advice.
Do not under any circumstances do this on a public road, I've seen first hand the results when suddenly the handbrake is more effective than expected resulting in a spin and a multiple collision.
Very, very foolish and ill conceived advice.
Are you kidding me?
Okay, perhaps I should add a disclaimer to that bit of information (see above)
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