Seasons preparations

Winter
the cold, the dark and the wet

Better work on the Imp before winter sets in - while the weather is still reasonable and daylight keeps longer.

• Check the state of the oil (or just change it)
• Check the state of the oil filter (or just change it when you change the oil)
• Check the heater
• Check the condition of the rubber hoses
• Check the battery. Damage done to the battery during hot weather will be a nuisance in the winter.
• Check the ignition system
• Check if the antifreeze is sufficiently strong. Hydrometer gadgets exist to measure this.
• Examine the profile on the tyres
• Check if all the lights work
• Check the wipers. Get new ones if they smear.
• Fill the washer bottle. Don't put any washing-up liquid in, as it contains salt and other corrosives.

In the winter things dry a lot slower, so rust gets a better chance.

• Do a touch up in the wheelarches and everywhere where the paint/protective cover is chipped. Use a zinc-rich primer on any bare steel. Bondaprimer; Finnigan's Number One; ...
• See to any leaking windows
• Keep the wheel arch lips free of mud
  
• Keep the winter grime and salt at bay by a regular clean
  If you use the Imp daily on salted roads then give the underside a weekly pressure-wash.
  Salt is corrosive and mud prevents water from drying.

Summer
Hope for nice weather

If your Imp has hibernated, check if it has come alright through the inactive period:

• Binding or pulling brakes
• Leaking water pumps
• Seized clutches
  If you use a brick to keep the pedal depressed, the clutch won't seize. But it will weaken the clutch cover springs.
• whatever

• Overhaul the cooling system. Clean the radiator inside-out.
• Give the rest a sping clean, too.