And then not in the sense of running after them, the Vaalserberg run down, but as in 'checking'. Ai. That is also possible on the Vaalserberg. In both cases, the parking brake was less than you thought ...
The weather is still outrageously mild. Not too cold in the garage yet. Check out your classic for some APK points. Even when he is MOT free. Auto Motor Klassiek gives a list ...
What? A whole story!
We no longer have to go to the MOT. Or at most every other year. That is a great opportunity to get going yourself. Because our classic must of course remain safe. And what can such a judge do that we cannot do? Auto Motor Klassiek gives a no-obligation excursion to a classic.
Be your own judge
An APK judge is not small. So we don't joke about that. But even without a multi-gas meter and brake test bench, you can go a long way as a classic enthusiast. With common sense. You can properly check your own car with limited resources. In the process, you get to know your own car and keep it safe for traffic.
It starts with a round of the car. Check the parking light, high beam, low beam, the front and rear flashing lights, the brake lights and - very important - the license plate light. Please note: if two reversing lights are fitted, they must both work. Or don't. That's good too. A golden tip in difficult times: lamp sets cost something from two euros at the 'Lot' rest store.
On the inside, the ceiling light does not have to work, but the dashboard lighting must work. More control work from the driver's seat: the windshield wipers and windscreen washers also have to do it. The wiper blades on the other side of the window must be good, streak-free and not squeaky and tilt over the window. The interior mirror and the exterior mirror (s) must be good. The mechanism of any seat belts must work, the attachment of the seats to the carriage must be firm.
As far as that window is concerned: a pit or asterisk does not have to be a reason for rejection. But for what the 'visible part' for the driver concerns zthe rules are strict.
With our cars, changing lights is no problem. Make sure that the usually small screws do not get lost (magnetic bowl) and grease them slightly before mounting.
Even more work on the inside: the windscreen demisting must work. The horn must also do it loud and clear. Problems in that angle are often due to a poor mass connection.
Under the hood, an APK inspector first checks whether the battery is properly secured. The level of the brake fluid must also be correct and a critical inspector will certainly make an assessment when he sees that the brake fluid has the color of coffee. Do not start work on the braking system without prior knowledge! The fuel lines must also be in good condition. Flexible, rubber or plastic fuel lines must not be dried or cracked. Replace older flexible pipes immediately but preventively. Today's petrol contains so much acetone that older hoses are eaten or dissolved by it. An engine fire can be the result. The clips around it should also be tight. That brings us aside to say that it is not unwise to have a fire extinguisher on board a classic. Also check whether the chassis number is still legible, but that should not cause any problems after previous MOTs.
Oh yeah; as regards checking on the Vaalserberg: the parking brake must be applied with three clicks. And the jacked-up rear wheels may not turn either. On the Vaalserberg you always park in the 1e gear or reverse and with the front wheels turned to the roadside.
To be able to view the car at the bottom, it is handy to visit a friendly garage mechanic. Of course the car can be jacked up to carry out the action in its own barn. But always support him on support! Never work under a car that is only jacked up! The real AKP judge first looks at the exhaust. It must be securely suspended and gas-tight. Tiewraps and iron wire are not recognized as official confirmation material. Also check the underside for excessive oil leakage. Judges also always look for brake lines under the car (they may not be corroded and also an extra thick bitac layer can lead to comments). Steering wheel covers and other rubber bellows material must also be tear-free.
With the wheels off the ground we can check the wheel bearings. A rustling, grinding noise indicates defective bearings and - in the past - an APK rejection. A slight dragging noise from the brake shoes and / or brake pads will not hurt. Check the cheeks of the damage for damage and cracks. Remember that tires of more than ten years are not tolerated in any other European country. Rightly so. The handbrake, whether it works on the front or rear wheels, must do its work exemplary. If the handbrake is applied, the wheels must be firmly secured. Back to the rotating wheels. Also look at the profile across the full width while turning. Bearing clearance is checked by grasping the wheel at the top and bottom and then 'tilting' it. Perceptible play and a metallic 'sound' indicate deceased bearings. On the front-wheel side, the fusion play can be checked by briefly lifting the case with a long tire lever or a crowbar. Noticeable clearance is not good. The problem can often be solved with the grease gun. Play on the steering balls becomes clear by not grabbing and prying the front wheels at the top and bottom, but by doing the same with the hands at nine and three o'clock. So in the horizontal plane. Great thinkers remove the play by means of a targeted blow with a sledgehammer. Replacement is usually not a problem. The wheels must then be aligned again.
Finally: always have a purchase inspection carried out before purchasing an MOT-free classic. Because since the settlement, some chaff has come under the grain on the classic market.