Whether you take to the road in a hatchback, sedan, SUV or large people mover, the vehicle you drive requires constant care to ensure it is safe and reliable. Whilst most vehicle owners adhere to a regular servicing schedule, there are many important things that should be checked in between routine services to keep your car in optimal condition. Safe T Tyre is the trusted supplier of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in Australia and keeping your car as safe as possible is our number one priority. Here we will look at five things you should check on a regular basis to ensure your vehicle operates safely.
Oil
Engine oil can be thought of as the lifeblood of your car, it is required to keep everything running smoothly. Your car can’t run without the right level of oil – you need the right amount and the right type. Keeping your oil level right will ensure peak engine performance and longevity. Check your oil level by simply pulling out the dipstick, this will show you the oil level and if you need to top it up. Also take note of the colour of the oil on the dipstick. If it’s black, you should book your car in for an oil change.
Tyre Pressure
Every vehicle has a recommended tyre pressure that is needed to achieve the best combination of safety, comfort, handling, braking, and fuel economy. Incorrect inflation can impact any or all of these factors and can lead to tyre blowouts and collisions. It is vital that you check your tyre pressure regularly, at least on a fortnightly basis. Many modern vehicles are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems as standard, and these continually monitor inflation and alert the driver to any changes. If your vehicle is an older model, it is worthwhile investing in an after-market TPMS. It is an affordable, easy to install and simple to operate tool that significantly improves the safety and performance of your car.
Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment will ensure your car will steer and react the way you want it to when you need to turn quickly. If the alignment of your car is out, your tyres will wear very quickly and your car will veer to one side (right or left), making it harder to keep control while driving. You should book your car into your local tyre centre on a regular basis to make sure the alignment is correct.
Tyre Treads
Tyres depend on the tread for traction and grip on the road. Bald tyres or any issues with tyre tread can be extremely unsafe so you should make a habit of checking your tyres weekly. Look for signs of bulging, cuts and tears to the tyre wall. You should also check the tread depth to make sure it is legal. You can do this with a tread depth gauge, using this tool you should check the tread depth in 3 different places on each tyre, as tyres often do not wear evenly. If you spot anything unusual or if the depth is looking low, take your vehicle to your local garage or tyre shop and ask them to check it.
Lights
All of the lights on your car must function properly, from indicators to brake lights, reverse lights, and of course, your headlights, these all must be checked on a regular basis to make sure they are working as they should. All of the lights on your vehicle play a crucial role in safety, as they let other road users know what you are doing or about to do. Make sure any burnt out globes are replaced immediately.
Keeping your car in good condition and performing a few simple checks will keep you safer, keep you in control on the road and maximise the longevity of your investment. Purchasing a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from Safe T Tyre is one great way to remove the hassle of having to check your tyre pressure. This handy addition will alert you to any changes in your tyre pressure, giving you the peace of mind that your tyres are inflated properly. To buy yours today, shop online now or get in touch with our friendly team by calling 1800 876 700.