Intro
Why not follow A+ Driving Schools 10 simple weekly checks to keep you safe on the road, get the most out of your car and make it last even longer!
If you're not sure, consult the owner's manual and if you're still not certain, ask a qualified mechanic. It's always better to be safe than to end up stranded at the side of the road.
At a Glance:
:: Check Oil :: Check Tyre Pressures :: Check Tyres And Wheels :: Check Screen Wash :: Check Lights ::
:: Check Seatbelts :: Check Battery :: Listen For Odd Noises :: Keep It Clean ::
Weekly Checks To Be Carried Out
Check Your Oil
Do this when the engine is cold to get a more accurate measure of how much oil you have. Wipe the dipstick clean, put it back in and take it out again to check the level. If it's under halfway between "max" and "min", add oil through the oil filler cap until the level is near full. Don't overfill though - this can be bad for the engine.
Check The Tyre Pressure
Invest in a good pressure gauge from a car parts shop as these are more reliable than garage-forecourt gauges. Check your owner's manual for the correct pressures and pump up the tyres accordingly, but don't over-inflate as this will cause uneven tyre wear. Don't forget the spare. And replace the dust caps!
Check Tyres And Wheels
The minimum legal tread depth allowed is 1.6mm. You can buy a gauge to measure tread wear or you can use the marks set into the tread itself. As soon as the tyre wears down close to these marks, it needs to be changed. Examine the whole of the tyre, look for stones stuck in the tread and check the condition of the wheel.
Check Scree Wash / Wipers
There's nothing more frustrating than running out of screen wash when front & rear visibilty is reduced, Keep the wash bottle topped up with a mixture of screen wash fluid and water. Make the mix stronger in winter, as this helps stop it freezing. Crucially, make sure all your wipers are in good, clean condition.
Check Your Lights
It's amazing how many cars have broken lights without the driver knowing it! Get a friend or one of the neighbours to check the lights as you try each one from the driver's seat. A malfunctioning headlight can be put right easily and cheaply with a new bulb, and that's a lot cheaper than a fine from the police.
Check Your Seatbelts
Seatbelts are the most essential safety devices in your car. Make sure all of the belts run freely and stop suddenly when you give them a sharp pull. Also, look for frayed edges or cuts along the whole length of every belt. Finally, make sure the fasten/release mechanism is clean and working smoothly.
Check Your Battery
First of all, make sure your battery is securely held in place and its cover fits snugly. Make sure there are no loose wires close to the battery. A light smear of Vaseline or grease on the terminals will help to prevent corrosion. This also helps keep a good contact with the electrical parts.
Listen & Learn
You can do this every time you drive the car. Any noises, squeaks, rattles, or chugs? Make a note of where they come from and get them checked out. The noise could be caused by something as simple as something rolling around the boot, but if you cannot trace and fix it, ask a mechanic to check further.
Keep It Clean
Not only does a regular wash keep our car looking smart, it makes it easier to spot any problems, and you'll never look closer at your car as when cleaning it the old fashioned way with a sponge and bucket!
Check Your Brakes
Will your brakes stop you fast in an emergency? And, if you have anti-lock brakes, are they working correctly? Find an empty road and try an emergency stop. If in doubt, consult a qualified mechanic.
Security Checklist
- Always try to park in a well lit area with good visibility
- IF you have a garage, or driveway make use of it!
- Key theft is a growing problem, so secure your car keys in the house somewhere safe. Don't leave them on a hall table or in easy reach of the front door, where a thief could break in and find them.
- Never leave your car unlocked, a window or sunroof open, even if it's only while you pay for petrol.
- Don't leave any belongings, particularly valuables in your car - if you can't take them with you, lock them out of sight in the glove box or boot.
- Never leave credit cards, vehicle documents or letters with your address on in the car- these could be tempting for thieves, and could also allow them to steal your identity and identify themselves as the owner of your car.
- If your stereo is removable, take it out when you leave the car, don't make things easy for thieves.
- Has your car got an alarm? If so, ensure it is working and remember to activate it if it's not automatic. If not, think hard about having one fitted see our Driving Accessories page for more info
