Car Maintenance

Keep Your Vehicle Roadworthy

Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of road safety and keeping your vehicle in good condition could save yourself from serious injury. Studies have shown that drivers who neglect to make regular checks on their vehicles are at greater risk of being involved in a collision.

Keep yourself and other road users safe by checking your tyres, lights, brakes, steering and seatbelts at regularly throughout the year, particularly when the nights begin to draw in and when road conditions are poor.

Following these simple checks needn't take long, but could just safe your life - or an expensive bill after a collision.

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

• Tyre wear - worn tyres are extremely dangerous, particularly in wet conditions where they contribute to around 10 per cent of all collisions each year. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm - the penalty for faulty tyres can be severe: a £2,500 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
• Tyre pressure - check pressures weekly, before your journey when the tyres are cold. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to set the correct pressure. If you notice a tyre is regularly low on pressure, get it checked out - it may have a slow puncture.
• Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates - these must be kept clean and clear.
• Brakes - take special care to ensure brakes are working correctly. If your vehicle pulls to one side under braking, it may have a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Consult a garage or qualified mechanic immediately.
• Top up fluids - do at least a weekly check on fluid levels. Make sure you have plenty of screenwash and that brake fluids are not low - this could lead to brake failure. Checking oil and coolant levels can also save you from an expensive bill from worn and overheating parts.
• Before cold weather - make sure the battery is well-maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and screenwash. Always make sure your windscreen, mirrors and side windows are properly cleared of ice and snow before driving off.
• Have your car regularly serviced - this will help ensure your vehicle is in tip-top condition and can help spot faults before they develop.
• Understand your dashboard - do not ignore warning signs as they could indicate a dangerous fault is developing. Always get them checked out by a qualified mechanic or garage.