Apr 1, 2021
With the combination of lockdowns and the cold winter months, the chances are that our cars will be feeling a bit under the weather as we come into those brighter days of Spring. Rather than get caught out after lockdowns are lifted, we have put together some straightforward checks and suggestions to make sure your vehicle starts for life after lockdown. Check out our infographic below!
Battery Checks
Car batteries may fail for a few reasons, but the most common reasons are when your car is not being used as often as it once was and the cold weather. If your car has spent most of the latest lockdown in your driveway, only leaving for the essential trip every now and again, that’s not enough to keep your battery alive. Most car batteries that are kept in good condition will last maybe two weeks without you before you need to start the car and drive to recharge it. But if you don’t intend to drive the car for some time, you need to start it at least once a week.
Tyre Checks
All your tyres should be in good condition after sitting for a while, so the first thing you want to do is check for any cuts, splits or nicks. You want to inspect for flat spots or anything like nails or screws that may cause a future puncture. The next step is to check the depth of tread on each tyre. In the UK you must have a minimum of 1.6mm of continuous tread by law and the simples solution for checking this is with the 20p test. If you can see the outer band of the coin at any point, your tread is below this legal limit.
Windscreen & Wiper Checks
You should check the condition of your front and rear windscreen wipers on a regular basis. If they’re starting to wear out, you will notice smears on your windscreen as well as a loud screeching noise. If your wipers need to be replaced, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later as this could hinder your view of the road. It’s also a good idea to check your windscreen for any small cracks or chips
Fluid checks
The oil and coolant in your car play a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly and before you set out on any trips after lockdown, you need to check and top up engine oil and coolant. Windscreen washer fluid checks will also be required to see if it needs to be topped up as it’s actually illegal to have an empty windscreen washer reservoir!
Bulb Checks
Before you take your car out on the roads again, you want to check all your lights work correctly. It’s easy to check them, simply switch them all on and walk around the car a couple of times and any that aren’t working will need replacement bulbs.
Is your car post-lockdown ready? Get peace of mind and request quotes for an interim service on your vehicle today. Alternatively, book a free Vehicle Health Check and get your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Here at MyCarNeedsA.com we can help you find a reputable garage to ensure you get back on the roads safely.
