As September approaches, the kids are getting ready to return back to the classrooms, people are returning to the office and with our cars having been used less over the lockdown period, you might find that it has been a while since you’ve been at the driving seat.
It is vital that you ensure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently, especially if you haven’t used it in a while. You may have been meaning to get things done prior to lockdown that have fallen off your radar.
Here at Bodymek, we give you our top tips on how to make sure that you car is ready to get back into a ‘normal’ routine again.
Petrol
It is vital to ensure that your car has petrol in the tank. Older cars can sometimes have debris that has accumulated over the years sit at the bottom of the fuel tank. Whilst there is a filter within the engine to prevent this happening, the filter can become clogged and this may impact the flow of fuel causing damage to your vehicles engine.
Windscreen wash and wipers
Visibility is a key element of safe driving. If you suddenly enter a rain or snowstorm, you will want functioning wiper blades to ensure you can clear your windscreen to see what is on the road in front of you.
Inspect your wiper blades on a regular basis and replace them when the blades start to leave marks on the windscreen or makes a screeching sound when wiping the screen, this is a sign that the rubber blades are worn.
Ensure you have washer fluid at all times and use the correct fluid as opposed to water to ensure that your windscreen can be cleaned to ensure safe driving.
Oil
Oil is extremely important to a car’s engine and regular oil changes are necessary to maintain the engines health.
If your oil warning light comes on, always address this issue. Check the oil level and top up if needed. You should do this whilst the engine is cold to get an accurate reading.
Oil colour should be a clear or amber colour. If you see dark or black coloured oil, this signals that you are overdue an oil change. Oil will develop a build-up of dirt and sludge overtime if not changed and will lose its effectiveness.
Tyres
You should check your tyres on a regular basis to ensure they are at the right pressure. This ensures that you are driving safely, increases fuel economy and will help prolong the tyre’s life and performance.
As well as tyre pressure, you should also ensure that the tread on your tyre is at a legal limit. Tyre tread allows the tyre to grip to the road improving safety and handing in all types of weather conditions.
The minimum legal limit for tread depth is 1.5mm. If the tread on the tyre is the same level as the wear indicator, it is time to replace your tyres.
Documents
It is vital that you ensure your car has a regular service and if you car has missed this during lockdown; you should get it booked in asap. Both services and MOT’s are a legal requirement to ensure that your car is safe and legal to drive. If you do not have either of these on your car, you could be fined or even prosecuted.
You should also make sure that your car is taxed and has valid insurance. If you do not have an MOT certificate this can invalidate your insurance.
Before heading back out in your car, ensure everything is up to date and valid.
If your car is due an MOT or service, give our team a call on 01604 589179. We are always happy to discuss the issue with your vehicle either over the phone or face to face and will do everything we can to get your vehicle repaired.
