You are currently viewing the Basingstoke site. Find your local Activ site click here »

Car maintenance and safety check advice

Add News

  

There are a number of essential checks that as a car owner, should be carried out on a regular basis.

Bald tyres, defective brakes and lights are common faults, but any one of these defects can make your car dangerous, and continuing to drive it could result in death or serious injury.

Some of the most important checks are relatively simple, and can be carried out before each journey. So, before setting off it is recommended to check your windows are clean and mirrors correctly adjusted. If you have a passenger, you could also get them to check all of your lights are functioning at this point, especially if all or part of the journey is likely to be in the dark. Finally, once the engine has started make sure none of the warning lights have remained illuminated on the dash board. These will remain illuminated if the cars onboard management system has identified a fault in any of the electrical circuits. The management system controls all major aspects in your car, so any fault is likely to be serious.

 

There are a number of important checks which you should aim to carry out weekly. For example, if you notice your windscreen wipers are beginning to smear they may require replacement, but try cleaning them with vinegar first as they may just be dirty.

Tyres should be kept inflated at the correct pressure, and tread depth kept above 1.6mm. This can be checked using the markers found within each tread around the tyres circumference. Finally, open the bonnet and check the fluid levels - Brake Fluid, Screen wash, Engine Oil, Coolant and Power Steering. These are easy to check in modern cars, the engine oil can be checked with the dip stick, and everything else requires only a quick glance at relevant fluid container ensuring the fluid inside is between the 'Min/Max' markers.

 

 

 


Comment about this Article


Search Activ Basingstoke
Sponsored Listings

See All >>

See All >>

;
Business Directory
Useful Links

Basingstoke

A fun and interactiv guide to Basingstoke. What is Basingstoke really like?

Find Your Region or Town
Use the dropdown boxes below to find your local region and town and we'll not only find the nearest Activ website but we'll also show you information relevant to your choice.