Critical Vehicle Checks For Long Journeys

To avoid any unwanted hassle or potential hazards, it’s always best to check your vehicle before you set off on a long journey. This short article details the essential checks you should make before setting off. You can also watch the embedded videos for an easy, visual walkthrough on how to make these important checks.

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Checking Oil Levels

Oil is essential to the smooth running your engine as there are lots of moving parts which require plenty of lubrication. A lack of oil can cause serious issues including engine failure.

• Open the bonnet (using the bonnet latch located in the footwell in the front passenger or driver side)
• Remove the dipstick
• Wipe off the oil
• Find the min and max markers
• Reinsert the dipstick
• Remove the dipstick
• Check the oil levels are between the min and max markers
• Replace the dipstick
• If the levels are below the minimum, then make sure to top up the oil levels (visit any of our branches for assistance)

Checking Tyre Tread Depth

Sufficient tyre tread depth is very important to your safety because if it’s below the required measurement of 1.6mm then it can cause your vehicle to struggle to gain traction. A lack of tyre tread can also reduce your cars efficiency, due to them slipping and forcing your car to use more fuel.

• Find a 20p
• Search for the Tyre grooves (run across the whole circumference of the tyre)
• Place the 20p into the first groove (tread)
• If the boarder of the 20p is visible, then your tyre depth is below 1.6mm and needs replacing
• Repeat this step for all the grooves
  

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Checking Vehicle Lights

Ensuring your car lights are functioning properly is important, especially when you could be driving in bad conditions or at night. It’s illegal to drive without all headlights and rear lights functioning at night, not to mention it’s very dangerous and can lead to a serious penalty.

• You will need a friend or family member (to check your lights are working)
• Test all the vehicle lights below:
• Headlights (front & rear)
• Sidelights (front & rear)
• Fog lights (front & rear)
• Indicators (front and rear)
• Side Indicators (right & left)
• Main beam (front)
• Fog Lights (front & rear)
• Number plate lights (front & rear)
• Reverse Light (rear)
• Brake Lights (rear)

Free Full Vehicle Health Check

If you’re still unsure about how to check, then you get one of our experts to do it for you. Do not hesitate to contact one of our dealerships to arrange a free car health check.

Once your vehicle has been checked by one of our expert technicians, you will receive a video by email or text, which talks you through the health of the underside of your vehicle. We will also flag anything that needs urgent repair.To avoid any unwanted hassle or potential hazards, it’s always best to check your vehicle before you set off on a long journey. This short article details the essential checks you should make before setting off. You can also watch the embedded videos for an easy, visual follow-on guide on how to make some of these important checks.

Example of Vehicle Health Assessment (sent with every VHC)