As we slowly head out of lockdown, many of us have probably not driven our vehicles for a long time, which can cause many issues. It is advised to provide a small check to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly to keep you safe.

It might be advised that an ECU Testing needs to take place which can result in your vehicle needing an ECU Repair, always take your vehicle to a specialist that you can trust when it comes to ECU Testing.

These checks shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes and if you don’t feel comfortable supporting these then garages are open as usual. However, if you notice a continued issue then make sure to take your vehicle straight to the garage.

Check your oil

It is essential that your engine has a sufficient amount of oil to help prolong moving parts and prevent premature wear. The action of checking the oil and topping it up if needed is essential especially if your vehicle has been sat around.

Usually, cars will tell you if your oil is low (a light shaped like an oil can will show up), but doing a manual check is also recommended.

If you have never done an oil check it is very simple, all you need to do is open your bonnet and look for the dipstick (usually it will be yellow at the top and located towards the engine.) Take the dipstick out and wipe clean with a cloth, insert it in and take it out. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks, if it’s below then you will need to top it up. Use recommended oil for your vehicle and always make sure to double-check these steps with your handbook.

Check your tyres

Not only is it extremely dangerous to drive with the incorrect tyre tread but it’s also illegal and you can be pulled over and fined £2,500 or given 3 points for each tyre if they are incorrect.

When it comes to your tyre pressure, make sure that you are always going by what your handbook recommends or check the inside of your fuel filler cap or even the front of your door. It’s important to note that the figures may vary for the front and rear tyres.

To put pressure into your tyre either locate an air compressor at either a petrol station or you can purchase one online. To measure the pressure you will need to find the tyre valve (the cap near the outer edge.) Remove the cap and hold the pressure gauge against the valve. If the reading is under the recommended number then you will need to top the pressure up.
To check your tyre depth, you should get in the habit of doing this at least once a month as in the UK it is required that the depth is 1.6mm. The simplest way to check is by getting a 20p and pushing the coin into the tyre grooves, if you can see the outer band (where 20p is written) then your tyres are under the limit.

Check your lights

Just like your tyres, driving with broken lights are vital and can cause you a fine or penalty points. It can also be a hazard as without lights, as it can be harder to see your vehicle.

To check your lights either get a family or friend to stand behind your car whilst you put your indicators on, switch your main lights on and hazard light, you also need to touch the break so they can check for all lights

Lights are relatively cheap to replace and most people can do this themselves, if not any local garage will be able to fit new ones for you.

On a final note, it is also important to take any lights that may show up on your dashboard seriously as it could also result in you needing an ECU Testing which can cause an ECU repair, as the vehicle hasn’t been in much use.

For more information please get in touch for more information.