Vehicle Safety Checks

A few simple, but important car checks that you can undertake yourself to get your car on the road in preparation for any journey, especially a long journey.

MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS ROADWORTHY

Making sure that your vehicle is roadworthy, even if you have been temporarily exempt from your MOT this year is as important than ever.

A few simple car checks that you can undertake on your driveway should leave you feeling comfortable to get your car back on the road in the run up to your MOT date.

If you are using your car for the first time in a while, you will need to check the following;

Tyre Tread

The legal minimum requirement is 1.6mm tread. Make sure you have this as an absolute minimum on your tyres to travel safely.

Tyre Pressure

Driving on tyres that are either under-inflated, or over inflated can seriously affect your braking distance, steering and fuel efficiency. Make sure you stick to the correct tyre pressure as advised by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Oil Levels

Make sure your vehicle has enough oil before you travel. This will prevent your engine from seizing up and breaking down. A simple dipstick test will give you a good idea of whether you need to add more oil.

Fuel Levels

Check your fuel level, and always make sure you have ample fuel before you travel to prevent a breakdown on a major road or motorway.

Screen wash Levels

It is really important to make sure you have ample screen wash, so you are able to clear your windscreen when needed to ensure you have full visibility always.

Lights

Make sure that all of your lights are working – headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators. These keep you safe and help other drivers around you to stay safe on the roads too.

Diagram of Car Checks for Vehicle Safety

If you notice any unusual noises, or lights on your dashboard before your drive, please contact us as soon as possible to book your car in for diagnostic checks and repairs. Alternatively, you can book online here.