Published on Wednesday 25 March 2020 in Van News
We've previously looked at what to do if your vehicle needs an MOT during the Covid-19 outbreak & it's important to point out that even if you have a valid MOT you're still responsible for making sure your vehicle is safe to drive. So, here are a few vehicle safety checks you can easily carry out at home during the outbreak.
Remember: These safety checks are not a substitute for a valid MOT. You can be fined up to £2,500, get banned from driving & get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Important Safety Checks For Your Vehicle
The Government recommends that every time you plan to drive your vehicle you should check the following parts of your vehicle.
Make sure the windscreen, windows & door/wing mirrors are clean.
Ensure that all external lights & indicator lights work.
Check that your foot & hand brakes work.
Next, open up your vehicle's handbook or manual for instructions on how to check the following:
Engine oil level.
Water levels in the radiator or expansion tank.
Brake fluid level.
Battery charge.
Windscreen washer fluid level for the windscreen & rear window.
Tyre tread depth & condition.
Checking Your Tyre Tread Depth & Overall Condition
Tyre tread has to be a certain depth depending on the type of vehicle you're driving to be considered safe to drive on. The safe minimum tyre tread depths are as follows:
Cars, light vans & light trailers: 1.6mm
Motorcycles, large vehicles & passenger-carrying vehicles: 1mm
Finally, there must be tread across the middle three-quarters & around the entire tyre to be considered drive on.
For more information on vehicle safety, check out the Highway Code on the gov.uk website.
Sources
Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety
Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe
For more news and insights visit the Vanarama blog, or take a look at latest van leasing offers.