Whilst we’re in lockdown and many of us working from home, our cars may not be getting the mileage they’re used to. Here’s how to check your car is roadworthy.
The motoring experts at Bill Plant Driving School have shared their expert tips to ensure your car is roadworthy. It’s important your car is safe before you consider taking it for a big drive over the coming weeks.
Use the below checklist to keep your car ticking over safely and soundly.
Avoid a flat battery
You don’t have to go for a long drive — or even drive at all — to ensure that you don’t get a flat battery. To ensure you don’t, simply start the car every few days and leave it on for a few minutes. If you can, drive it around the block or to the local store when you’re doing your essential shopping.
Check your tyres
As well as checking the amount of tread left on your tyres, you also want to check the air pressure. Remember that you need to have no less than the legal limit of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre for treading.
A quick way to check the tyre tread depth is to get a 20p coin and insert it into the grooves on your tyres. Your tyres are of legal limit if you can’t see the outer band of the coin.
You will need access to a tyre pressure gauge to check the air pressure, but under and over inflated tyres can both have negative consequences. Under inflated tyres will wear out quicker and reduce your fuel efficiency. While over inflated tyres will provide you with less traction on the road and therefore poorer braking distances.
Check your oil level
It’s important that your oil level is sufficient, as the oil keeps all critical parts of your engine lubricated, clean, cool and protected, and therefore prevents it from seizing up. Check your oil level in your car before setting off on your journey and be sure to check every few weeks.
Make sure your lights are in good working order
Your lights, front and rear, are essential for you as much as they are for other road users. This includes your headlights, taillights, fog lights, brake lights, signal lights and hazard lights — make sure to check them all.
Ensure you have screen wash
It’s important to have a good amount of screen wash within your car to ensure that you always have a good level of visibility of the road. As well as being able to maintain this should you need to clear any dirt or debris off your windscreen.
Determine your fuel level
To ensure you don’t run out on your journey, road users are advised to keep their fuel tank at least one quarter filled. But if you are running low, be sure to head straight to the petrol station before going anywhere else.
Rusty driving
Sometimes we can get rusty at driving after a few weeks or longer of not being behind the wheel. If you’re not feeling 100% confident, go for a short drive around the block or through some nearby quiet streets. Make sure that you’re in the right condition yourself to be able to drive — focused, awake and alert.
While the UK is still under lockdown, it’s important to remember to follow all government guidelines with regards to travelling.
From only travelling to and from work where necessary, to only venturing out for essential trips, daily exercise or to assist with the local community. #TogetherWeCan get through this.
