Repair & Maintenance

Repair and maintenance covers the products for keeping a car or van in good order and fixing minor damage yourself: body fillers and repair kits, anti-rust primers, epoxy adhesives, masking tape, hose and trim clips, battery chargers, jump starters, foot pumps, tyre inflators and pressure gauges.

Bodywork repairs

• Fillers: general body fillers smooth out dents and shallow damage, while glass fibre and reinforced fillers and mat are made for bridging holes and rusted areas.
• Primers: anti-rust primers are for bare metal. Check the tin for the surface preparation needed and what can go over the top.
• Small repairs: stone chip fillers, bumper repair kits and exhaust putty are each made for one type of repair, so check the pack for the materials and sizes of damage they suit.

Most of these are chemical products. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data, and wear the gloves and eye protection they specify.

Batteries and charging

Lead-acid batteries give off hydrogen and oxygen while charging, and more as they near full charge, so a spark or flame nearby can cause an explosion. Check the charger suits the battery's voltage and charging rate, charge in a well-ventilated place away from sparks and flames, stop once the battery is fully charged, and protect your eyes from battery acid. Chargers and jump starters vary in the battery sizes they handle, so match them to your vehicle.

Tyres

Check tyre pressures every month and before long journeys. The correct figures are in the vehicle handbook, and often on a plate in a front door sill or inside the fuel filler flap. Foot pumps and tyre inflators raise the pressure, and a gauge confirms the reading.

For engine oils, coolants and other fluids, see oil and fluids, or browse vehicle accessories.