I’m a car mechanic… here’s a useful trick that could save drivers eye-watering sums on repairs
A CAR mechanic has revealed his useful trick that can save drivers big money on repairs.
TikToker Checkenginechuckllc is warning motorists that shouldn’t allow leaves to gather under their car bonnets during the next few months as it can affect the running of the vehicle.
Having dead leaves wedged near your windscreen wipers can cause a build-up of dirt resulting in a drainage block.
He has a quick and free trick to help drivers check if this has happened – using a bottle of water.
He explained: “Take that bottle of water and dump it right where the rain would end up entering.
“And then what you do is travel to the bottom of the car and make sure that it’s leaking out right beyond the fender.”
“According to the mechanic, the liquid would typically end up around the footwells which on most vehicles contain ‘expensive modules’.
“Computers do not like water, as we know. And unfortunately, rice isn’t going to get you out of one of them going bad.”
“Now if you do the water test and you see nothing but a slow drip or nothing at all, I highly suggest that you end up bringing your car to your mechanic and ask him to simply clean your sunroof drains.”
Cars are designed to make sure water doesn’t gather in this gap – but if something is in the way of letting the water flow out, you could end up with a rust problem.
And as the weather gets colder with winter just around the corner, ice can set in too meaning drivers won’t be able to open their bonnets.
Strong winds could also cause any loose leaves to fly into your view if driving at speed.
The RAC advises windows should be “clean and clear at all times”.
The car specialists also warned having “an unclean windscreen that limits your view of the road could see you fined for driving a car in a ‘dangerous condition'”.
And while it may be too early to bring out the scrapers and de-icer, maybe keep some gloves and a carrier bag in your boot to clear any fallen leaves.