As a car owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. This means regularly checking and maintaining key components of your car. By doing simple safety checks on a regular basis, you can help avoid costly repairs and keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.
So what are some of the key safety checks that every car owner should do? And what should you do if you spot something amiss?
Read on to find out.
What are the 8 safety checks that every car owner should do on a regular basis?
You don’t need to be a mechanic to carry out many of the basic checks that will help ensure your car is safe to drive.
Here are 8 we think you should know how to do.
– Check oil levels and top up if necessary
– Check tyre pressure and tread depth
– Check coolant fluid and seek advice if it needs topping up
– Ensure all lights and indicators are working correctly
– Make sure screenwash levels are adequate
– Check air conditioning is functioning correctly
– Check your wiper blades for signs of wear and tear
What are the benefits of regularly completing these safety checks?
Regularly completing safety checks on your car can help to ensure that it is running smoothly and safely. Checking the oil levels, tyre pressure, coolant fluid and other key components can help to avoid any potential problems and ensure that your car is in good condition for the road.
Additionally, completing a safety check can also be a good opportunity to check for any damage or wear and tear that may have occurred, and to get any necessary repairs done before they become a bigger issue.
Can you complete these safety checks on your own?
With a little basic knowledge, many of these checks can be completed on your own, without the help of a professional.
A visual check of your vehicle’s fluid levels, lights and filters will help you spot if you need to seek further help. For example, the coolant system is a sealed system so if you notice levels are falling and/or you have to top it up, you should seek advice from your local garage.
When it comes to your car’s air conditioning the temperature and smell will let you know if there may be a problem to be checked out properly. Therefore if the temperature controls aren’t responding as you would expect (heating or cooling) or there is a funny odour, speak to your local garage.
The 20p test will check your car’s tyres have sufficient tread depth to meet legal requirements and a pressure check will tell you if they are properly inflated.
When is the best time to complete these safety checks?
As a rule of thumb, you should check the engine oil level every month and top up if necessary. You should also check the tyre pressure and tread depth, as well as the condition of the brakes and windscreen wipers at similar intervals.
Every six months or so, it is also worth checking the battery and coolant levels.
What are some of the most common mistakes car owners make when it comes to safety checks?
This one is simple.
The most common mistakes car owners make are; not making basic checks on a regular basis, or ignoring warning signs that something might be wrong.
If your car is making a funny noise, feels different to normal when you’re driving, has a strange smell or is displaying warning lights on the dashboard, then it’s probably time to seek professional advice.
How can Cadnam Garage help?
At Cadnam Garage, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and ethical local garage. We offer a wide range of services, from seasonal safety checks to MOTs, servicing and repairs.
Our experienced and friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and support, and we only ever use the highest quality parts and products.
Whether you’re having problems with your car or just need some advice, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call today and see how we can help you?