Motoring maintenance tips to ensure smooth driving this Easter
25th March 2024
Since the pandemic, it’s safe to say that staycations have taken off and in 2023, a record number of people in the UK took to the roads for their holidays. So, with Easter just around the corner, it is important motorists are giving their vehicle a thorough check before hitting the road.
Here are five motoring maintenance checks to recommend to drivers ahead of any road trips they may be going on this spring:
1. Check your tyre pressure and unusual wear and tear
It is recommended you check your tyre pressure once a month as standard, so if you haven’t checked in the weeks before your trip, take the time to do so now.
Tyres can quickly become deflated if they aren’t checked regularly, and this can result in excessive and uneven wearing of the tread. Additionally, any visible perforation, cut or deformation has the potential to render the tyre unsafe to use so they must be checked thoroughly by a tyre professional if you find something unusual.
2. Check the tread
Tread improves your grip, the vehicle’s handling, and your safety. The 20p test is a simple, quick, and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car’s wheels. Simply take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
3. Don’t overload your car
Your vehicle’s tyres are doing the hard work of supporting the total weight of the vehicle and withstanding deformations, speed, and heat, so be mindful of how much you’re taking with you.
If you do need to carry a heavier load than normal, adjust the tyre pressure accordingly, which can be found in the car’s handbook.
4. Check your lights
Before you set off, do a quick check of all the lights on your vehicle. For example, turn on your headlights when you’re parked in front of a flat surface and check that both headlights are working properly and well-positioned, as well as checking indicator and parking lights.
5. Check your engine oil
The oil in your vehicle’s engine serves a whole slew of functions: it lubricates the moving parts, helps act as a sealant against debris, cools the engine, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent engine corrosion.
It’s well worth taking that extra 10 minutes to ensure your car is running efficiently and safely ahead of long journeys. For further tips on tyre maintenance click here.
