5 Pre-drive Checks
These checks can make a world of difference and ensure that you’re set up for the road ahead. So let’s dive in and find out what they are.
With most people spending less time behind the wheel as a result of lockdown measures, it’s likely that many will start to get a touch rusty when it comes to pre-drive checks. However, now is a perfect time to brush up on the key things you need to check before setting off.
Mirrors
If you’re the only one who drives ‘your’ car, then there’s a good chance that you’ll set the mirrors once and won’t have to touch them again. That said, it’s always a good idea to double-check that the rear-view and wing mirrors are adjusted correctly from time to time to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Also, you may have adjusted your seat during the previous drive, which would throw everything out of alignment.
If you share your car with others, then it’s vitally important that you check your mirrors each and every time you set off.
Fuel
It might sound silly, but ensuring that you’ve got enough fuel in the tank can avoid a real headache later on. Many people are doing shorter drives at the moment, which means that you might not be using up as much fuel as usual. However, this doesn’t mean that you can avoid filling up entirely.
Quickly checking your levels or looking at your remaining range before setting off can determine whether or not it’s worth stopping by a fuel station before completing the rest of your journey.
Washer Fluid
Particularly during winter, it is crucial to make sure that you’ve got enough washer fluid in order to keep your windscreen clear. Road grit can quickly build up and make it difficult to see out, and if you’re not able to clear it then you could be in real trouble.
There’s no need to lift the bonnet and check the tank each time you set off, but a quick squirt before pulling away will let you know if you’ve got enough.
Tyres
As they’re the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, tyres form a crucial part of your vehicle’s setup - and that’s why it’s so important to check them.
Make sure that they’ve got at least 1.6mm of tread - the current UK limit - using a 20p coin if you don’t have a proper tool. Insert the coin into the tyre’s tread and if the outer band of the coin is obscured, then they’re still within the limits. Also, give the walls of the tyres a quick scan to make sure there are no cuts or gashes there which could lead to a blow-out.
Lights and number plates
It’s easy for your car to become caked in dirt during the winter months. As a result, it can occasionally result in your licence plate becoming obscured - something the police won’t look upon fondly.
If your car is really grubby it could hinder how effectively your lights work, which are vital during the dark winter months. A quick clean is all it takes to avoid both of these situations.