Vehicle Maintenance Checks

 

Safety on the roads is of paramount importance, which is why it’s imperative to make sure that your vehicle remains in top working order so you can have complete peace of mind during your journey.

Both cars and vans require regular maintenance to ensure that any potential problems are quickly identified and fixed before they escalate into more serious, costly repairs. Whilst it’s important that your vehicle undergoes servicing by a professional at least once a year, there are checks you can carry out yourself throughout the year to deal with any problems before they arise.

Car and Van Maintenance

Fluid, Oil and Fuel Levels

  • Check fluid levels on a regular basis and keep them topped up, including coolant, screenwash, power-steering and engine oil.

Top tip: only check the coolant level when the engine is cold.

  • Check that there aren’t any puddles on the ground by your vehicle caused by brake fluid or power steering fluid leaks.

Windscreen/Dashboard Area of the Car

  • If your windscreen wipers are not cleaning the glass properly, it’s time to have some new ones fitted.
  • During operation, check that the wipers move continually

Bodywork

  • All vehicle doors must shut properly and stay securely shut when closed.
  • There must be no loose or damaged body panels

Tyres

  • Using your owner’s manual, check that your vehicle’s tyre pressure is correct.

Top tip: for an accurate representation, check the tyres when they are cold.

  • Check that there are no cuts, tears, or damage to your tyres.
  • Make sure your tyres are seated securely and are not loose.
  • Check your vehicle’s tyre tread; both vans and cars should have a depth of 1.6mm.

Lights

  • Make sure that your vehicle’s indicators work correctly when required.
  • Check that the brake lights come on when the brake pedal or hand brake is applied.
  • Check that all dashboard warning lights operate properly, such as the full beams and parking brake lights.

Brakes

  • Check that your brake pedal and hand brake work correctly when applied.
  • Make sure to check that your brake pedal doesn’t have excessive travel; this is when the reaction time is slower and it takes longer for your vehicle to stop when applying the brake.

Battery

  • Check that your battery isn’t leaking.

Seats and Seatbelts

  • Make sure that your seats are securely fastened in place.
  • Check that your seat belts work properly and that there are no cuts or damage which could affect their performance in an accident.

Exhaust

  • Check that your exhaust pipe doesn’t emit excessive amounts of smoke during operation.

Mirrors

  • Check that all mirrors, including wing and rear view mirrors, are securely fastened and properly aligned.
  • Check that the view through your mirrors is not obscured in any way.

Van Maintenance

Whilst the maintenance checks listed above are applicable to both vans and cars, the purpose and design of vans means that there are a few extra checks required to ensure complete safety on the road:

Tow Bars and Tail Lifts

  • Check that the towbar on your van is secure.
  • Check that any trailers and tail lifts are securely attached to your van, making sure they are free from damage and that all of the electrical connections are working as they should be.

Load

  • All loads should be securely fastened to your vehicle.
  • Check that the doors to your van have a suitable locking mechanism.

If you are searching for a windscreen specialist to carry out maintenance or repairs on your vehicle, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Motorway Windscreens today. Operating throughout Leeds, Grimsby, Sheffield, Doncaster, Chesterfield, Barnsley and Nottingham, as well as areas nationwide, our quality workmanship and quick turnaround has earned us a strong reputation throughout these local areas.

Simply give us a call today to find out more or to book an appointment with one of our experts.