Safety Information

Driving In Summer

Not preparing your car for summer motoring could increase the risk of an inconvenient upset such as a breakdown. With this in mind, this information has been compiled to help you in the preparation of your vehicle for the summer months.

• Check your vehicle is regularly serviced, consult your service book. It can be all too easy to overlook the correct service date.
• Check the operation of all exterior lights to ensure they comply to any legal requirements. All headlights and indicator lenses must be free from any damage such as cracks or missing glass or plastic. Remember to keep the lights clean.
• Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Do check windscreen washers making sure that they are adjusted correctly. Screen wash additive is also recommended.
• Ensure all dashboard warning lights operate correctly. If not, consult your owner's handbook or call your local dealer.
• Check oil and water levels. Ensure they are topped up correctly. Pay particular attention to the electric fan.
• Inspect your battery electrolyte level topping this up with distilled water if necessary. Do check the battery connections ensuring that they are tight and free from any corrosion. Do not forget that battery acid is highly corrosive to skin and paint work.
• Make sure the fan belt is of the correct tension and in good condition, adjust or replace as required. Ensure ignition key is removed from the vehicle before checking.
• Tyre condition should be checked, (inc. the spare) for tyre pressure and legal tread depth.
• Inspect the jack and wheel brace making sure you are confident about their use. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure locking key is safely stowed away in the car. It may be useful to practise changing the spare wheel, following instructions from your owner's handbook).
• Inspect car keys for wear and condition. Replace if necessary. Remember, a worn key will quickly wear out a lock barrel causing the lock to jam. Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your car in a safe place. This also applies to alarm fobs. It is worth noting that batteries in the fob will also require replacement at least twice a year, to maintain operating performance.