Vehicle checks
Road safety is not just making sure the driver behaves safely but also making sure vehicles are safe too. It is important to do regular checks on your vehicle:
- Before setting off on a long journey check your tyre pressure and make sure it is suitable for the load you are carrying.
- You should check the tread of your tyres as the minimum legal depth is 1.6mm. Also, look for cuts or wear in the tyres. It is easiest to check your tyres when the wheels are angled, like when turning a corner.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tyre if you have one.
- Before a journey use your dipstick to check the oil.
- If you are topping up your engine oil regularly take your car to a garage to get it checked
- Make sure you check all your lights are working on a regular basis and if any are out replace the bulb as soon as possible.
- It is important to check your lights are clean too for maximum visibility.
- Regardless of the time of year, it is important to keep your screen wash topped up so you can clean your window screen while driving and ensure good visibility.
- Make sure you regularly check your wiper blades for splits and cracks. In winter try freeing your wipers with de-icer or warm water before you start your engine.
- Always make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination, factor in possible delays where you are using fuel sitting in traffic.
Vehicle Car Check Events
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service offers winter car checks across the county and gives advice around maintaining your car. The events will be advertised through the partnership and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue social media accounts.
Commercial Vehicle Checks
Driving for Better Business has a number of resources and videos to support commercial drivers on completing daily vehicle checks. For more information click here.
