MOTORING

CHECKLIST BEFORE A LONG CAR JOURNEY

PEOPLE are starting to travel more than they have done in months as restriction ease. This means cars which haven’t seen any longdistance action for a while are now going to have more strain put upon them. If you’re planning on driving further afield, give your car a few checks before setting off.

TYRES

Tyres are an absolutely crucial element. Look at the sidewalls for any cuts or damage which could lead to a puncture, and scope out the condition of the rubber. If it’s cracked and dry, it might be time for a change.

Look at the tread depth. The legal limit in the UK and Ireland is 1.6mm, and one of the easiest ways to tell if your tyres are within this is with a 20p coin. Simply insert the coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is obscured by tyre, then you’re within the limit.

Check the pressure too. Most garages have compressors to top up air. Check the required pressure for your tyres by consulting your car’s handbook or on the instruction panel inside the fuel filler cap.

Adjust your pressures accordingly and not only will your tyres perform more effectively, it will also save you money on fuel.

OIL

Oil is crucial to the smooth running and operation of your car’s engine. Without it, there’s the potential for a lot of damage to take place. Yet, despite being so crucial, it’s simple to check. Wait for the engine to cool if it’s been running and find the dipstick within the engine bay. It’s often highlighted with a yellow handle but, if you’re struggling to find it, consult the car’s handbook.

Once found, pull out the dipstick and clean it. Re-insert it into the engine and pull it out again; you’ll now be able to see the level of oil in the engine on the dipstick.

Only add a bit at a time, and repeat the dipstick process each time – you don’t want to overfill it.

WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID

Particularly during the summer months when there’s more dust and insects on the road, make sure you’ve got enough windscreen washer fluid. Look under the bonnet for a blue cap. If the levels are low, simply top up with the correct washer fluid. Avoid using just water.

COOLANT

Coolant is integral to keeping your engine at the correct temperature. During summer this is very important, but it’s just as key during colder months. Though it’s unlikely your coolant levels will have dropped, it’s always worth checking the tank - again, typically, under the bonnet. Only ever use the manufacturer’s recommended.

FUEL

Before you set off, check your fuel gauge and ensure you’ve got enough to get you to your destination. If not, it’s worth filling up closer to home, where you know the location of filling stations. Leaving it until later could result in the stressful situation of having to find a fuel station in an unfamiliar area.

LIGHTS

If you’re making a longer trip, there’s a good chance that you’ll be driving in darkness as you near your destination, even in the lighter nights, which makes fully working lights crucial.

Check that your headlights and indicators are working up front, and test the rear lights and brake lights too. We’d give the hazards a test for good measure too - you never know when you might need them.

JACK EVANS