How to perform routine car maintenance? |
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The main aim of performing safety check for car is to ensure your safe driving experience.
By doing some routine checks you can cut down on the cost of owning a car.
Routine maintenance helps your car perform better and can also save future problems - such as costly repairs.
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Get FREE driving lesson quote |
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Book your driving lessons with local driving instructor |
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Here is a list of car checks that owner can do regularly to ensure the safe driving.
1. Check the tyre pressure
- You need to check your tires at least once in a month to avoid road hazards.
- Keep the tyres inflated to the pressure recommended in the owner's handbook to keep the car safe, and save on your fuel costs.
- Low tyre pressure can affect your driving and vehicle handling, but good condition tyres will keep you safe and lower your CO2 emissions.
- Check tires for cuts, bulges, slashes and other irregularities to avoid tire failure while driving.
- You also need to check the thread depth of tire, as minimum thread depth for cars is 1.6mm and motor bike of more than 50 CC should have 1 mm thread depth.
- Tyres that are low on tread are dangerous and could fail you in MOT.
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2. Check signal lights, break lights and tail lights -
- Turn your headlights and four-way signals on. Get out of the car and walk around to make sure they are all working.
- You must check regularly that your lights are working properly, if not, replace them immediately.
- Also, lights must be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users.
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Changes to driving practical test from Oct 2010
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Independent driving element in driving test will come in effect from Oct 2010
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Independent driving is when the learner get out on the road He/She will be driving alone and they need to know how to drive safely |
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Know more... |
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3. Check fluid levels-
- It is advisable to check car fluids regularly .the main check list should include engine oil, transmission oil and engine coolant apart from this you also need to check break fluid and other fluid required for vehicle from time to time.
- Always check your oil level with the engine off. Remove the dipstick and wipe the oil off with the cloth or towel then put the dipstick back into the hole. Then pull out and see the level on the stick. (On the dipstick there are two marks indicating a maximum and minimum level for the oil.)
- Transmission fluid should be checked while the engine is warm and running. Checking this fluid is very similar to checking the oil.
- You can check brake fluid level without removing the cap on the container. Usually, there are level markings on the side of the plastic reservoir.
- Similarly, you can check windshield washer fluid.
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4. Safety belt and airbags-
Make sure all your belts are in good condition. They should not be cracked or damaged.
Check whether all the seatbelt buckles work properly.
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Useful learning resource
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Explained with The Highway Code rules
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Know what will be assessed on exam day |
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Fully illustrated, full colour graphics |
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MRP £4.99 £2.49 |
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5. Check serpentine belt -
- This belt is designed to drive accessories like alternator, power steering pump and water pump, since this belt is very important and it drives important accessories ,if this belt brakes the car would become inoperable. For this reason you should also check or serpentine belt from time to time.
- The serpentine belt is so called because it looks like a snake as it curves around various drive pulleys.
- Check the belt for cracks, damages.
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Do other quick checks like - horn is working properly and mirrors, glass are free of significant scratches or cracks. |
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Get FREE driving lesson quote |
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Book your driving lessons with local driving instructor |
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Rules and regulations - Latest 2007 
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