Every motorist should take steps to keep their car in good condition. Failure to do this could impact the car’s performance, shorten its lifespan and result in expensive trips to the garage, so it is certainly worthwhile taking some time to perform a few regular checks and maintenance tasks. So, what kind of checks should you be making?
Tyre Pressure
One of the most important checks to make is tire pressure, as they must be inflated to a particular pressure to run safely and optimize performance. It is always a good idea to check the tire pressure throughout winter and before any long drives and to top them up if necessary – you can find the recommended level in the owner’s manual.
Tyre Tread Depth
While checking the pressure, you should also check the tire tread depth with the 20p test, which is quick and easy to ensure that you have enough tire tread left. 1.6mm is the legal minimum, and anything less than this could result in a £2,500 fine (per tire) and 3 points on your license; however, it is recommended that you have at least 3mm for safe driving, particularly during winter.
Liquids
The car also has various liquids that need to be kept to the right level, especially during the year’s colder months. It is important to get into a habit of checking the engine oil, coolant, screen wash, and fuel levels before setting off on a long drive.
Servicing
It is also vital that you stick to the service schedule as there will be various checks and maintenance tasks that should be performed by a professional to keep the car in the best possible condition. If your car becomes a money bit and is regularly breaking down, you might want to think about an upgrade with a Peugeot 2008 is a good option for those looking for a large, reliable vehicle that will perform well in all conditions.
Emergency Kit
You should also make sure that you have an emergency kit in your car, especially for the winter months. This should include a first-aid kit, torch, spare tire, car tools, a shovel, spare clothes, phone charger, and food and drink.
Motorists need to get into the habit of the above checks and make sure that they look after their vehicle to prolong its life, improve performance, and ensure that they stay safe when traveling in hazardous conditions.
