Experts at Absolute Reg have named the five simple car checks all motorists should perform before driving long distances.
It’s important to ensure coolant levels are at a correct level according to the vehicle handbook to prevent the engine from overheating.
Drivers should have sufficient levels of fuel before setting off on motorways, else risk breaking official advice from the Highway Code.
Another simple safety measure motorists should perform is to check all tyres are at the legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm, and have no cuts or bulges.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg explaining the importance said:
“New drivers who are planning a road trip this Easter should carry out basic but essential safety checks to their vehicles before setting off.
“Make sure that the oil and engine coolant levels are correct, based on guidance from your vehicle handbook.
“Check over all of the tyres, including the spare, to ensure they’re at the legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm and there is no damage.
“Drivers should also plan their journeys to ensure there are petrol stations along the way to fill up at, and set off with a full tank of fuel especially if travelling along the motorway.
“Another simple check to make before setting off over the Easter holidays is to turn the car lights on one at a time and ask a friend to walk around the vehicle to make sure everything is in working order – this includes the headlights, brake lights and reverse lights.”
Here are the five essential car checks to perform before setting off this Easter:
- Tyre checks
The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm, so it’s essential to check the tyres are at the legal level and do not have any cuts, bulges or other damage before heading off on long journeys.
- Oil levels
Use the vehicle handbook as guidance to ensure the oil levels are at the correct level before setting off on Easter road trips.
- Engine coolant
Checking the engine coolant is at a safe level against your vehicle handbook is essential before long journeys. Engine coolant stops the car from overheating, so is a vital check to ensure vehicles are safe to drive.
- Car lights
A simple but essential check before heading off on a road trip is to ensure all car lights are completely working to maintain visibility. The easiest way to check is to turn on each light and ask a friend to make sure the headlights, brake lights and reverse lights are all functioning before setting off.
- Have sufficient fuel
The Highway Code states all drivers should have sufficient levels of fuel before heading out on a long journey, especially if that includes motorway driving. Plan your trip to ensure there are petrol stations along the way to fill up at.
