Weekly checks
4.1b "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the side of
the brake/clutch fluid reservoir (later
models)
should be maintained at or just below the "MAX"
mark at all times. With wear of the brake pads
the brake fluid level will drop slightly, however it
must never be allowed to reach the "MIN" mark.
2 If topping-up is necessary, first wipe the area
around the filler cap with a clean rag before
removing the cap. If necessary, disconnect the
low fluid level warning switch wiring. When
adding fluid, pour it carefully into the reservoir,
to avoid spilling it on surrounding painted
surfaces (see illustrations). Be sure to use only
the specified brake hydraulic fluid, since mixing
different types of fluid can cause damage to the
system. See "Lubricants, fluids and capacities"
at the beginning of this Chapter.
3 When adding fluid, it is a good idea to
Warning: Brake hydraulic fluid
can harm your eyes and damage
painted surfaces, so use extreme
caution when handling and
pouring it. Do not use fluid that has been
standing open for some time, as it absorbs
moisture from the air. Excess moisture can
cause a dangerous loss of braking
effectiveness.
inspect the reservoir for contamination. The
system should be drained and refilled if
deposits, dirt particles or contamination are
seen in the fluid.
4 After filling the reservoir to the correct level,
make sure that the cap is refitted securely, to
avoid leaks and the entry of foreign matter. If
necessary, reconnect the wiring for the low
fluid level warning switch.
4.2a Unscrew the cap . . .
5 The fluid level in the reservoir will drop
slightly as the brake pads wear down during
normal operation. If the reservoir requires
repeated replenishment to maintain the proper
level, this is an indication of a hydraulic leak
somewhere in the system, which should be
investigated immediately.
Washer fluid
1 The windscreen/tailgate washer fluid
reservoir filler is located at the front left-hand
corner (early models) or front right-hand
corner (later models) of the engine
compartment, behind the headlight unit.
2 When topping-up the reservoir, a
screenwash additive should be added in the
quantities recommended on the bottle (see
illustration).
1 On later models the tyres have tread wear
safety bands, which will appear when the
tread depth reaches approximately 1.6 mm.
Tread wear can be monitored with a simple,
inexpensive device known as a tread depth
indicator gauge (see illustration).
2 Wheels and tyres should give no real
4.2b ... and top-up the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir with the specified fluid
problems in use, provided that a close eye is
kept on them with regard to excessive wear or
damage. To this end, the following points
should be noted.
3 Ensure that the tyre pressures are checked
regularly and maintained correctly (see
illustration). Checking should be carried out
with the tyres cold, not immediately after the
vehicle has been in use. If the pressures are
checked with the tyres hot, an apparently-high
reading will be obtained, owing to heat
expansion. Under no circumstances should an
attempt be made to reduce the pressures to the
quoted cold reading in this instance, or effective
under-inflation will result. Note that on later
models, the emergency spare wheel is of special
lightweight construction, and the tyre pressure is
higher than normal (see "Specifications"). This
spare wheel must only be used in an emergency,
and at speeds not exceeding 50 mph.
4 Note any abnormal tread wear (see
illustration). Tread pattern irregularities such
as feathering, flat spots, and more wear on
one side than the other, are indications of front
wheel alignment and/or balance problems. If
any of these conditions are noted, they should
be rectified as soon as possible.
5 Under-inflation will cause overheating of the
tyre, owing to excessive flexing of the casing,
and the tread will not sit correctly on the road
surface. This will cause excessive wear, not to
mention the danger of sudden tyre failure due
to heat build-up.
6 Over-inflation will cause rapid wear of the
centre part of the tyre tread, coupled with
5.3 Topping-up the windscreen washer
fluid level
6.1 Checking a tyre tread depth with a
depth gauge
6.3 Checking a tyre pressure with a tyre
pressure gauge
1
•
6