Vehicle must be in good and efficient working order

IT IS the responsibility of a owner and/or driver of a vehicle to make sure it’s in a roadworthy condition at all times when used in a public place. All parts and equipment of a vehicle must be in good and efficient working order.

- It is not enough that your car has a valid NCT disc on the windscreen.

- A vehicle needs to be serviced in line with manufacturer’s recommendations in between roadworthiness tests as well.

- It’s your legal obligation to do so. Unfortunately, some motorists continue to think that once their car passes the NCT it doesn’t need to be serviced until the next test or until a warning light comes on.

Factors such as age, mileage and driving conditions will affect timelines and every vehicle is different consult your owner’s manual or your local garage for recommended service intervals.

The owner’s manual, and in the case of many modern vehicles the car itself, will tell you when a service is next due and what will be required. Always keep your owner’s manual in your glove compartment. It contains valuable instructions, such as recommended tyre pressures, information and warnings specific to your vehicle.

Many drivers consider servicing an expense, but it ensures your safety and the safety of other road users and significantly reduces the chances of your vehicle breaking down. Keeping your car in a good condition can also save you money.

A valid service history and regular maintenance will not only increase a vehicle’s resale value, it helps to ensure that a car runs more efficiently and safely, minimising problems and expensive repairs in the future.

The RSA says there are practical walk around checks which you can carry out on your vehicle in between services or before any long journey.

Walk Around Checks: At least once a week and before any long journey

- Your tyres are the only point of contact between you and the road so it is vital that they are maintained correctly. Check tyres for correct inflation pressure. The minimum legal permitted tread depth is 1.6mm but the RSA recommends changing all tyres at 3mm.

- Worn out and flat batteries are reported as one of the most common causes of breakdowns in Ireland. During harsh conditions a battery’s capacity is reduced, as is its ability to accept charge, the results of which can be difficulty or failure to start your vehicle. Ensure your battery is checked by your friendly neighbourhood mechanic at its next due service

- It might seem obvious but lighting is extremely important to ensure that you can see and be seen by other motorists. Check all lighting regularly and replace bulbs as necessary. It amazes me that given that the NCT is a legal requirement, so many drivers are on the roads with only one headlight working, and we’ve all seen it.

- Engine oil lubricates, cleans, protects and cools the car’s engine. It is very important that the oil and oil filter are both changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Failure to maintain the correct oil level and carry out the necessary oil or filter changes can result in extensive and costly engine damage. Don’t wait for the red oil pressure warning light to come on – check the engine oil dipstick level today.

- A car engine produces a lot of heat when operating and so must be cooled constantly. Check the coolant level in your car is correct as a low coolant level can result in your engine overheating. The coolant tank is usually located under the bonnet. In the majority of modern cars it’s made of a transparent material and has a maximum and minimum mark on the exterior. If in doubt, please refer to the owner’s manual.

Do not open the cap when the engine is hot as it may cause injury.

Ensure that the level of power steering fluid (located under the bonnet) is checked regularly between services. The level of the fluid in the tank should read between the maximum and minimum markings. Please refer to the owner’s manual for further information.

Check the brake fluid level in your vehicle. This is usually a transparent plastic container located under the bonnet (refer to the owner’s manual for more information). This allows you to inspect the fluid level inside the container without the need to remove the filler cap. Opening the cap to check the fluid level is not recommended as this can result in contamination.

Check the level of windscreen wash regularly and top up as necessary. This is located under the bonnet. Where topping up is required, use a clean funnel to prevent water spilling on other engine components

On average a set of wiper blades last around 1-2 years, however this can vary depending on usage and operating conditions. Indications that wiper blades require replacement include; lines or streaks, noise, judder and wind lift.