Hands up if you’d feel lost without your car? You’re not alone. With more cars on the road than ever before, the majority of us depend on our vehicles to get to work, do the food shop and generally get out and about
With such a huge reliance, it’s a good idea to regularly check your car – at least once a month – to make sure everything is as it should be.
Here are 7 basic checks for your car:
- Brakes
While you may rely on a mechanic to check and fix car brakes, there are also a couple of things you can look out for. This includes the looking for wear on the handbrake (is it fully biting?) and brake pedal (does it feel soft when braking? Is there a grinding noise?).
- Lights
Your lights signal to other drivers that you are turning, stopping, or make your vehicle visible. As such, it’s vital to regularly check all lights. You can do this using a reflective surface, or by asking someone to walk around your car.
- Wipers
If your wipers are worn, the rubber can split. This can result in smears or wipers that don’t clear your windscreen. Check them often for any damage and make sure to replace when you spot any wear.
- Windscreen
Any chips in your windscreen can quickly lead to a crack. Make sure to keep an eye on your windscreen and if you spot any damage, book it in for a repair. This is important as ignoring it could mean paying for a replacement further down the line.
- Screenwash
Did you know that screen wash is a legal requirement? This means it needs topping up regularly to ensure you can always clean your windscreen.
- Engine Oil
Checking your engine oil can seem daunting but it’s actually very simple. All you need to do is use the dipstick to assess the oil level. Make sure the dipstick is clean before using, then top up your oil as required.
- Tyres
Lastly, assess your tyres. This includes tyre depth (which should be at least 1.6mm), and inflation (properly inflated tyres are essential for safety and can make your car for fuel efficient).
Regularly inspecting your car can help you spot issues before they turn into a problem. It can also help you keep the car in top condition – something that’s ideal if your vehicle is leased. So, to keep your car safe, make sure to carry out these simple maintenance checks.
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