Car Service Checklist- Basic Checks

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Firstly, Happy New Year to all of our customers – we wish you all a successful year ahead. Whether you own a vehicle or hire a car, now is a great time to do some simple checks to ensure everything functions correctly. Use our car service checklist to guide you through some basic, regular checks for your vehicle.

 

1. Oil

Correct oil levels are essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. A simple check using the dipstick can ensure there are no leaks. This should be done on a regular basis and could save you from future costly repairs.

 

 

2. Tyre Pressure

A tyre pressure gauge is a great, affordable tool that can prevent problems before they occur. Check your tyre pressure regularly as the wrong level of inflation can affect your fuel efficiency. Outside temperatures can also affect tyre pressures, so take extra care as temperatures drop.

 

3. Lights

When checking your lights, ensure you check all of them. A faulty headlight can be easy to spot but a thorough check should be completed to ensure side, brake and reverse lights are functioning correctly. At this time of year especially, your lights are essential to make sure other drivers aware of your presence.

 

4. Air Filter

The air filter on your vehicle prevents debris and contaminants entering the vehicle. A clean air filter can improve miles per gallon (mpg) and can prolong engine life. Although not needed as often, it is an important factor to consider as part of your car service checklist.

 

 

5. Tyre Tread

The tread of your tyre provides traction on the road and is just as important as the tyre pressure. A simple check for signs of wear and tear such as bulges or lumps in your tyres could prevent future accidents. A quick and easy way to see if your tyre tread exceeds the minimum legal tread depth is to take the 20p test.

Place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal.

 

There are many other necessary checks but these basic checks can improve the running of your vehicle. At Zi Car and Van Hire, we offer a wide range of vehicles for both long and short term hire. Contact us today for more information.

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