No-one wants their car to break down when they need in most, but are you doing all you can to prevent it? We all keep in check with our yearly MOT and services, but some issues can’t wait that long. Here’s some simple, non-hassle checks you can do to identify any issues before they get worse.
Engine Oil Levels
Topping up your cars oil levels before it gets low is a great way to prevent engine issues. As this isn’t something drivers have to do often, it’s an easy thing to forget.
Luckily, this is super easy to check at home. Simply look for the dipstick, wipe off any excess oil and push it back in. When taken out, you’ll be able to identify if your car engine has sufficient oil according to the level on the dipstick.
Remember to only do this when your engine is switched off – super simple!
Lights
Lights are one of the most important things to check for your safety, especially during the darker winter months. It’s arguably the easiest on this list to check – simply park somewhere you can see your cars reflection, or enlist someone to help you.
Make sure not just to check your headlights, but also your brake lights, indicators, reverse lights and fog lights. It’s a small check that could save your life when driving in the dark.
Tyre Tread Depth
As tyres are the only part of our cars that comes between us and the road, it’s incredibly important to ensure they’re in good shape. Tyre tread depths have a minimum legal requirement of 1.6mm, but it’s a good idea to change tyres before they get near this. If you forget, you can face up to a £2,500 fine per tyre in addition to points on your license.
One great way to check this at home is the 20p test. If you can’t see the edge of the coin when inserted into the tread, you’re in the clear. If you’re looking for a more accurate check, book in with us here.
Tyre Pressure
In addition to tread depth, tyre pressure is another essential check. Tyres naturally lose some air whilst driving so even if you haven’t noticed any difference in your tyres, it doesn’t hurt to check.
Low tyre pressure has many consequences for your car. As you would expect, the main impact is that you risk losing your grip and braking distances will increase. However, what some people don’t know if that it also impacts your fuel consumption. The low pressure leads to increased resistance, meaning your engine is working harder and more fuel will be needed to turn your wheels.
Although this list isn’t exhaustive, these 4 handy tips are a great starting point for taking better care of your vehicle. It’s important to remember that whilst you can make these checks yourself, if you have any doubts it’s best to ask a professional.
No matter how small the issue is, we’re always happy to help. Get in touch.
