Car Checks before starting a journey
It is very important to check your vehicle before you start your journey, basic checks can prevent breakdowns and help keep you safe on the road.
More than 41,500 people broke down on National Highways roads in 2021 because of tyre issues – that is over 20% of all breakdowns. in 2021,
Information published by .gov in July 2022
Breaking down on public highways can be very frightening, vehicles passing you at speeds, at night when visibility is reduced and in cold weather, can all lead to you becoming venerable and at risk.
How to limit the risk
Using a simple word like POWER can help you stay safe and remind you of the areas to check on your car before starting that journey
- P stands for Petrol or Diesel
- O stands for Oil, engine oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid on older vehicles
- W stands for water, check your expansion chamber for water and also your screen wash
- E stands for electrics, lights, demisters, windscreen wipers, windows, radio, horn and check that warning lights come on when you start your vehicle and go off once the system has checked for issues. Engine compartment to check connections are secure.
- R stands for Rubber, Tyres, windscreen wiper blades, Hoses in the engine compartment for leeks.
These checks will not take long but could avoid you being stuck on a major road and vulnerable. After your driving course and passing a driving test you still need to stay safe, which is the main reason we have a training system for people who want to drive. STAY SAFE!