Almost ready to set off on your next adventure? Breaking down on the roadside can put a dampener on any trip, even if the sun is shining. So, whether you’re going on holiday or a day trip, make sure you carry out these simple checks before you set off.
Check your tyres
Did you know that tyre problems account for 20% of motorway breakdowns? Not only that, but driving with unsafe tyres can result in 3 points on your license and a fine of up to £2,500.
If you discover that you have a flat tyre, don’t let it leave you feeling deflated. We’ve put together a guide on how to repair a flat tyre.
Tyre condition
Adequate tyre tread is essential for safe driving; worn tyres with low tread, or bald areas with no tread, are at increased risk of failure or aquaplaning when driving over surface water on the road.
Ideally, your tyres should have at least 3mm of tread, but they must at least meet the legal UK minimum requirement of 1.6mm of tread to be considered roadworthy. This laser tyre tread depth gauge is the perfect tool for measuring tread up to 22mm, and even has a gradation indicating whether the tyre reaches the legal minimum tread depth.
Visible signs of damage in the tyre, such as bulges or protrusions, mean the tyre should be replaced immediately. Need new tyres? We offer next working day delivery if you order before 2pm.
Tyre pressure
Don’t wait for your dashboard lights to alert you to low pressure. Driving with under-inflated tyres (even by just 10%) can worsen your vehicles handling, lower your fuel economy and reduce the lifespan of your tyres.
Luckily, it’s easy to check your tyre pressure! We recommend that you carry a tyre pump on board your vehicle, like this electrically powered Michelin Tyre Inflator, which comes complete with an easy to read digital tyre pressure gauge.
Make sure to familiarise yourself with what your tyre pressure should be – most cars have a sticker on their bodywork (usually on the inside of your door) that tells you the correct tyre pressure. If your car doesn’t have a sticker, you should refer to the owner's handbook.
Full car? Don’t forget that you may need to increase the air pressure if you are carrying lots of passengers or luggage!
Check your battery
Don’t let a flat battery leave you stranded. Make sure your battery is charged and ready to power your car ahead of your journey. Not sure when to charge a car battery, or when to replace it? Check out our guide.
Check your lights
Driving with broken or faulty headlights puts you and other road users at risk and can land you with a fine and can even cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. We recommend keeping spare bulbs in case one fails unexpectedly. And, with new bulbs from just £0.98 we don’t think it’s a risk worth taking.
If you’re unsure how to check and replace your car bulbs, take a look at our guide.
Check your fluids
Fuel isn’t the only car fluid you don’t want to run out of. Some of the most important top ups for your car include:
Engine oil
Vehicle engines need lubrication, so maintaining adequate oil levels and using the correct oil for your vehicle is essential to ensure its longevity.
Engine coolant
Essential to keep your car’s internal combustion system working at a stable temperature. Never add coolant to an already hot radiator as you could burn yourself or damage the vehicle.
Screen wash
No matter the weather, screen wash is essential to keep your windscreen clear and your view of the road unobstructed.
Autoparts has all the tools, parts and accessories you need to give your vehicle a welcome health check before your bank holiday road trip.
