7 Essential car checks to make before your Spring trip

Engine Coolant

When topped up with sufficient coolant, your car will maintain operable temperatures. You can purchase coolant that is correctly mixed with antifreeze and distilled water for your car.

To check your coolant;

1. Make sure your engine is cool

2. Locate the coolant tank, they often have a thermometer symbol on the cap.

3. Make sure your tank is between the MIN and MAX level. (There will be a minimum and maximum level marker on the coolant tank).

Engine Oil

Checking your oil before you travel is very important. Without sufficient oil your engine will overheat and weld itself together causing major problems.

To check your oil;

With the engine warm and the car level.

1. Locate the dipstick and remove

2. Clean with a lint free rag and re-insert

3. Remove the dipstick and check your oil level. (it should be between the two markers)

If your oil is below the minimum line, as long as the engine oil is clean you can add new oil using a funnel. Making sure you are using the correct oil for your car.

If the oil is gritty, you might need to get your oil changed.

Car lights

Lights

There may be more daylight now its summer time, but that's no excuse to forget about your car's lights. 

To make sure all your bulbs and lights are working is easy and will take less than a few minutes to do. Remember to check your indicators, brake lights and hazards - You don't want any surprises while on holiday. 

Tyre Depth

Two important things to check before a long journey are your tyre depth and pressure. These ensure you are getting a fuel efficient journey, lower running costs and proper handling.

The minimum legal depth of tread is 1.6mm over the central 3/4 all the way around. Any less can get you a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence.

To check your tyre depth;

You can use a twenty pence to measure your tread; Simply place a twenty pence piece into the main tread of your tyre, if the outer band of the twenty pence is obscured then your tread depth is above the legal limit. If the outer band is visible then your tyres may be below the legal limit.

Tyre Pressure

You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your car by checking your handbook or by checking with your car manufacturer. Other places you can find your tyre pressure include;

Inside the fuel cap and stamped inside the sill of your driver's side door.

To check your tyre pressure;

1. Remove the dust cap valve and place the pressure gauge onto the tyre valve stem

2. Check the reading on the pressure gauge to determine whether your tyres need inflating or deflating.

If your tyres need inflating, use a suitable pump and avoid over-inflation.

For deflating your tyres, use the tip of a flat head screwdriver to push the metal pin in the valve and release air.

Windscreen wash and wipers

Having sufficient windscreen wash and good condition wipers ensure your visibility is always going to be good throughout your journey.

To top up your windscreen wash;

1. Locate your windscreen wash reservoir. (It usually has a windscreen symbol)

2. Remove your cap and fill with windscreen wash until it reaches the top.

3. Secure your cap and you're good to go!

Check over your wipers to make sure they don't have any cracks or splits in the rubber. If the rubber is in bad condition, your wipers may need changing.

Boot Space

We all have a build up of items in our cars, whether that is excess car related items, sports equipment or an array of junk.

Unnecessary extra items in the car will not only take up extra space but use extra fuel too. Make sure you have room for all your trip essentials and the car is ready to go!