5 Vehicle checks you should be doing every month
Every vehicle generates general wear. This is just a part of their life. We have a list of 5 things that you should check every month. it could save you time, money and even your life!
1. Check your oil levels
This is one of the easiest and most overlooked checks on our list. Low or no engine oil can lead to many issues. The main one is your engine seizing up. This could set you back thousands of pounds. a simple engine oil check takes around 1 minute.
How?
1. Make sure your vehicle is on a flat surface.
2. Find and release the bonnet catch and raise.
3. locate your oil dipstick. These are nearly always yellow.
4. Slowly pull up on your dipstick to remove it.
5. There will be two small ridges towards the bottom of the rod. The oil level should be as close to the center of these.
6. if it’s too low then contact your local specialist and they will advise on the correct oil type to top up.
2. Screen wash
Whilst you are under the bonnet. Locate your windscreen wash bottle. For ease, we recommend ready mixed screen wash. This is mixed with the optimum level of antifreeze.
Fill to the brim.
3. Check your vehicle lights.
This is much easier with two people. One person operating the lights, and the other walking around and confirming the lights are illuminated.
The easiest way through experience is the operator turns on the ignition, then turns on the hazard lights.
Person two can walk around and confirm all indicators are operating. Then comes sidelights, then headlights and tail lights ( don’t forget rear registration plate lights. Finally, main beam and fog lights.
Easy!
4. Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure is extremely important. Too low or too high can cause many issues ranging from incorrect wear, poor fuel economy, and tyre separation from the wheel.
Your correct tire pressure is usually located on one of the inner door edges. Sometimes front and back can require different pressures so keep an eye out.
Most fuel stations have tyre inflators and cost ranges on average between 50p to £1 they even tell you the pressure. If you’re lucky enough to have a gauge then this can be used.
5. Tyre wear and rotation
Tyre tread depth is a crucial check. You can be risking your life and others if this gets too low.
The minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. Most tyre centres will check your tyres free of charge and offer you a replacement if required. You could instead purchase a gauge
for a few quid from Amazon or some fuel stations.
When it comes to tyre rotation there are a few factors involved. Depending on if your vehicle of front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD) can make an impact.
Typically the wheels which are powered wear sooner than the ones following along. So keep an eye on the front to rear wear and if you notice an imbalance, swap them around.
We hope this helps with anyone wondering the top 5 vehicle checks you should be doing every month.
Keep safe all.
Tips
- If checking your lights on your use a reflection to see your lights. A window is ideal.
- If you are worried about refilling your vehicle fluids a specialist can do this for you.
- Almost all tyre fitting companies offer free tyre health checks.
- When checking your dipstick, look at the colour of the oil. If it’s dark black it may be time for an oil change.
