5 Simple Car Checks For a Worry Free Road Trip
Before taking your car on a road trip, you should always check it over to ensure it’s in good condition and safe for the roads. With increased use, there is always an increased risk of breakdown, so making sure your car is fit for use before you set off is the most effective way of preventing your car experiencing any problems when you’re on the road.
We’ve listed our top 5 simple car checks you can carry out on your car for a hassle free road trip.
Tyre treads
You must ensure that your tyre treads are within the legal limit, or your car will not be legally permitted to be driven on the roads. If you are found driving with worn tyres, you risk being fined and invalidating your car insurance policy, as well as putting yourself and others at risk by driving a car not fit for the road. Your car’s tread depth can be a minimum of 1.6mm – measure the tread before setting off on your road trip and if the tyres are worn below the minimum requirement, replace your tyres before leaving.
Air pressure
The air pressure and general condition of your car’s tyres should also be checked over before a road trip. As the only point of contact with the road, your tyres need to be in top condition in order to be safe for use. Check the air pressure and top up as necessary, and also check your tyres over for any signs of damage, including any punctures, tears or bulges.
Fluid levels
Check your car’s fluid levels before setting off to ensure everything is topped up. This should include your oil, coolant, and screenwash – top up the levels as required, but remember to only do this when the engine is cold. You should also make sure your petrol is topped up for the journey to ensure you don’t suddenly find you’re on empty halfway through the drive!
Wipers and windscreen
A dirty or damaged windscreen can impair your vision and cause distractions when driving, so this should be checked over before your road trip. Check for any chips that could grow into cracks, and make sure the screen is clear for you to look through. Make sure your windscreen wipers are functioning correctly before you set off – broken wipers can be extremely dangerous if you discover this while driving in the rain.
Lights and signals
Your lights and signals should be checked frequently for damage anyway, but you should make sure they are all in working condition before setting off on your road trip. Check the headlights, indicators, brake, and fog lights, replacing any bulbs if required. If your car is dirty, wipe the lights over with a cloth to make sure they show up when needed on your drive.
If after your car checks, you detect a problem with your car that you cannot fix yourself, enlisting the help of our professional team here at Munster Tyres will ensure your car is repaired back to top working condition in no time. We provide a wide range of car services in the Fulham and West London area, offering a friendly and reliable service to all our customers, every time.
For more information, or to discuss booking your car in for servicing, repairs, or tyre fitting, feel free to contact us today – our team are always on hand to provide you with any further assistance you may need.