Major body damage - repair

Where serious damage has occurred or large areas need renewal due to neglect, it means that completely new sections or panels will need welding in, and this is best left to professionals. If the damage is due to impact, it will also be necessary to completely check the alignment of the bodyshell structure. Due to the principle of construction, the strength and shape of the whole car can be affected by damage to one part. In such instances the service of a dealer with specialist checking jigs are essential. If a body is left misaligned, it is first of all dangerous, as the car will not handle properly, and secondly uneven stresses will be imposed on the steering, engine and transmission, causing abnormal wear or complete failure. Tyre wear may also be excessive.

    See also:

    Handbrake - adjustment
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    Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) - removal and refitting
    Removal Note: During this procedure, ensure that the sensor wiper is not rotated beyond its normal operating arc 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Disconnect the wiring plug from the sens ...

    Road test (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
    Instruments and electrical equipment 1 Check the operation of all instruments and electrical equipment. 2 Make sure that all instruments read correctly, and switch on all electrical equipment in ...