As winter slowly turns to spring and we hope for warmer and sunnier days, having a well-maintained car should still remain a priority for all drivers. English weather can be highly unpredictable and we never quite know when the roads will turn wet and slippery. To avoid requiring roadside assistance it’s worth giving your car a thorough check over.
Here are a few important things to check:
- Tyres: It is important to regularly check your tyres to ensure a smooth and safe journey. There are many dangers that can be caused by worn out tyres such as an increased risk of blowouts, poor grip on snow & ice, hot tyres, air leakage and hydroplaning. You can Order tyres online at Elite Direct and get them delivered to your doorstep.
- Tyre Tread: It’s not just the pressure in your tyres that matters. Your tyres depend on the tread to give you traction on the road, and it’s especially important in slippery conditions. Look for signs of wear in your tires – and also look for any bulges or odd lumps that could indicate a problem. Low tread or bulges in the tires can cause slipping or a blowout on the road, and lead to an accident.
- Brakes: Don’t wait for that screeching sound that tells you the brake pads are getting old. Having your brakes checked regularly keeps your car safe and on the road. You depend on your brakes to stop your car and prevent an accident, so don’t take them for granted.
- The Air Filter: A clogged air filter will cost you in fuel consumption, and it’s bad for the car as well. It costs very little to get it checked and replaced as needed, so make it a regular part of your car maintenance routine.
- Battery: Lights, heaters and wipers put high demands on your car battery, so it is no surprise that they often run down more quickly during winter than in warmer months. Car batteries typically have a lifespan of around five years, so if yours is approaching this point you may wish to think about replacing it.
- Lights: Having any of the lights on your car not functioning properly is dangerous. Be sure to check your turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights and of course your headlights on a regular basis. Although you are likely to catch a headlight that is out, you could easily miss a brake like or taillight that doesn’t function right. These things are vital to letting other vehicles know what you are doing or about to do – and preventing accidents.
Roads can become busy and hazardous so having a well-maintained car is imperative for your safety. Keep your car in good running condition and it will keep you safe and in control on the road.
