CHECKING the car every now and then is a must for every driver who takes to the roads, especially if you plan on driving a long journey. Performing these simple checks will keep you out of the laybys and keep you on your merry way. According to RAC statistics there are 2.5 million breakdowns per year which equate to 7000 breakdowns per day on the UK roads and motorways. A shocking 177916 was due needing a jump start because of a flat battery, also 64773 were due to pure driver fault and needed no assistance whatsoever, performing checks on your car will avoid all problems and issues later down the line.

Are We Good For Oil?

This is the thing that all drivers should know how to check, it was in the driving test. If you were to run the car without oil it would seize up the engine and you won’t be going anywhere, the car would become a pile of scrap metal.

Check your engine’s oil when the engine is warm to the touch, to check the oil you just need to locate the dipstick. Most dipsticks have a yellow rounded handle and are branded “oil”. Pull out the stick and wipe it clean, replace the stick back into the slot and pull it back out again, look at the end of the stick to check the “full” line and see how far you are away from it, if it is far then top up with some oil. Also check to see if the oil is nice and clean and not like jelly, if it is take it to a mechanic immediately to check the engine over.

The Cars Battery

As in the statistics above, 177916 people called for assistance for just a jump start on the roads last year, don’t become a statistic! You can check the battery with a voltmeter (seen below):

You need to find a clean space on your batteries terminals, if the terminals are all clogged up with glupe, you can turn off the car and pour coca cola over the terminals, wait a few minutes and your terminals will be nice and clean. Removing the glupe will help get a good connection and electricity flow between the voltmeter and the battery. Click here for voltmeter instructions.

Is Your Car Thirsty?

Oil takes care of the moving parts but the engine gets thirsty as well. Make sure you check your radiator and top it up with water, especially for long journeys, the car will not last long without a drink and will start to overheat and it will eventually just cut out on you. Always check this when the car is cold, as steam can sometime fly out of the top once opened. Once you have unscrewed it, if you see water you are set to go, if not, add some in. If you live in a really cold climate you would need to put some antifreeze in the water.

Don’t Just Kick Your Tyres

Tyres are important for grip upon the roads, this is literally the only connection the car has to the road, so they do need pressure in them to grip. Drive to a nearby garage where they have the tyre pumps. Check each tyre and even the spare in the boot of the car, you may need this if you have a blowout. The pressure of the tyres is usually around 30-34 pounds. If you need to purchase new tyres and the tread is worn or you just need a new set you can check here, they have a wide range in stock for all types of occasions.