Don’t break Down! – Part 2

 
Modern cars are more reliable than ever but poor maintenance can still lead to breakdowns or accidents.
 
You can avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown by spending a few minutes each week on some simple vehicle maintenance.

 
 
The best way to learn about weekly vehicle checks is to do them. Do the checks listed below with help from a friend or relative, using their car (or your car if you have one), or with your driving instructor. Look at the car’s handbook to find out about each check and then make the checks while being supervised.
 
Work through the list, and tick each item after you have checked it.
 
Engine oil level: Too much or too little oil can lead to engine damage that may be expensive to repair.
 
Engine coolant: If there is a leak, or if the level is low, the car level can overheat and break down – a common but easily avoidable problem.
 
Brake and clutch: Check the fluid levels for the brake and clutch by looking to see how full the relevant reservoir is. If these levels are low you should consult a mechanic.
 
Screen-wash level and wiper blade condition: If you check this weekly you will always be able to see clearly. Dirty windscreens have led to several serious accidents – some fatal. They could have been avoided by this simple two-minute check.
 
Under British motoring law, a car is not roadworthy if the driver cannot free the windscreen from grease and grime, and if the washer doesn’t work the car could fail its MOT.
 
Battery: These days most car batteries are maintenance free; if this is the case there are no checks to make, but if your starter motor is ‘sluggish’ when starting the car, get the battery checked by a garage. Most calls to breakdown companies are because of flat batteries or bad battery connections.
 
Tyres: Make a detailed inspection of your tyres once a week. Check the tyre pressure and look for damage on the inside edges (be careful of your hands when doing this in case there is glass or other debris embedded in the tyre) and remove any stones or other material from the tread of the tyre.
 
Your weekly vehicle checks will not only will you be safer on the road, but will also help to keep your running costs down.
 
Badly maintained tyres wear out more quickly, neglected engines use more fuel and break down more frequently. The checks only take a few minutes and can be done at the same time that you wash your car or get fuel.

 
 
DVSA Videos
The DVSA have produced a series of great ‘show me tell me videos’.
 
Learn more about the ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions.