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Keep your motoring trouble free by following our handy Car Maintenance Top Tips.
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Tyre Tread
All tyres start with a tread depth of 8mm and every one can wear them down differently depending on their car, the roads and the way they drive. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but it's recommended you start considering replacing a tyre when it's tread reaches 3mm. From 50mph, a car will take 8 meters more to stop in rain on 1.6mm rather than 3mm - that's a whole bus length! So if you're planning a long journey or getting ready for winter - it may be worth changing them early. Also don't forget to check your spare wheel or let Kwik Fit check any of your tyres any day of the week (including the bank holiday!)
Tyre Pressure
You should also check tyre pressures - click here to find out your car's correct tyre pressures or check for information on the inside of your petrol cap. If the amount on the pressure gauge is below the recommended amount, you'll need to inflate your tyres. Under inflated tyres can also use up to 3% more fuel so it pays to check your tyres regularly! With a family in the car, the boot full and maybe the roof rack too, motorists should consider putting a little additional air into the tyres before setting off. (Motorists should check their handbooks for extra load tyre level limits).
Battery
The battery powers the electrics in your car. Driving a car on a regular basis keeps the battery charged. If battery level is low, fill with distilled water to the level marked (unless the battery is a sealed maintenance free one). 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. Checking the condition of your car battery and battery charging system is a FREE service available at Kwik Fit centres across the UK and takes around five minutes to complete.
Click here for information on having your battery checked.
Coolant Levels
It is vital that motorists check coolant levels before setting off on their journey, particularly in the summer where levels can drop quicker, causing potential overheating. As well as checking water and oil, motorists should also check that break, clutch and power steering fluids are up to the mark. Motorists who are unsure should first check their car manual, or can seek help from their local Kwik Fit centre.
Windscreen
Motorists should check that front and rear windscreen wipers are in good working order by checking for splits and mobility, and that their car has sufficient levels of screen wash. Clean the windscreen, windows and mirrors and fill the windscreen-washer bottle using a screenwash additive to help clear traffic film and dead insects in the summer.
Air-Con
Check the aircon system is blowing cool air. Research shows that millions of motorists are driving around with underperforming air conditioning units. Manufacturers recommend that motorists get their aircon systems serviced every two years. Kwik Fit's air con recharge service is only £44.95 and guarantees at least a 10% improvement or you get your money back.
Click here for more information on Air Conditioning.
Servicing
If your car is due a service shortly after your departure date it might be worth bringing it forward to gain piece of mind before setting off. Kwik Fit offers car servicing at 250 centres nationwide from just £79.00.
Click here for MOT Testing and Servicing.
Other Checks
Motorists should make sure the spare tyre is in good order and that the car contains a jack in case it is needed. Dashboard lights should be checked, as should exterior lights making sure there are no cracks and that they are clean. Also, don't forget to fill up with petrol too!
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