Carrying out vehicle checks is an important part of running a vehicle and can identify any issues that may arise.
Check your Tyres
Tyres are an integral part of your vehicle and the only thing between you and the road so making sure they are in good order is essential.
Check your tyre depth
Checking the depth (legal limit is 1.6mm) across the width of the tyre. 75% of the tyre must be above the legal limit.
As a guide in the Tread of the tyre you can see small bumps. These are set at 2mm and can give you a good indication for when your tyres are getting close to the legal limit.
According to the AA motoring trust worn tyres account for 1-10 accidents.
Tyre tread depth is a key factor as to how well you will stop in both dry and wet conditions. We would recommend you change your tyres before they reach the minimum legal limit.
Checking for defects
Check around the edge of the tyre for any damage. This could be gouges or an 'egg' shape bubble which would indicate a weakness in the tyre.
Here are a few things to look out for.
- Bulging tyre (Egg Shape)
- Damage sidewall
- Cracking tyre (This could be due to age)
- Wear on inside and outside of the tyre
- Uneven wear
- Nail or screw in the tyre. May have a slow puncture
- Flat spots
Correct Tyre Pressure
It's important to check your tyre pressures on a regular basis.
Some newer cars have sensors which indicate your tyre pressures.
Over or under inflated tyres can cause uneven wear which in turn reduces the life of the tyre.
You will find your tyre pressures printed on a label inside the car. These are typically found on the driver or passenger door shuts or inside the fuel cap.
Checking your lights
Making sure your lights are working correctly are essential for your safety and for others.
In the UK, driving with a faulty headlight is considered a motoring offence, and you could be penalised for it.
Checking under the bonnet.
When checking your car it's worth checking under the bonnet.
Oil Level
Remove the dipstick, clean it and replace it. Remove it again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks that you will see on the dipstick.
If the level is low remove the oil cap and top up.
Do not over fill as this can be as damaging to the engine as no oil.
Brake fluid level
This should be between the minimum and maximum level.
Coolant level (Water for engine)
Check the level is between the minimum and maximum.
Windscreen washer fluid
Refill the window washer reservoir as required. Normally a warning light will appear on the dash.
Power steering fluid
Check the level is between the minimum and maximum.
Damage to your vehicle
Walk around your vehicle and check for any damage.
If there are any sharp parts sticking out or hanging off then these must be seen to immediately.
If the damage is significant enough to render your vehicle unsafe or unroadworthy, you could be fined or driving in a dangerous condition. The police have the powers to stop any vehicle they suspect is not roadworthy. The penalty for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can be 3 penalty points and £2500 fine.
Windscreen and windows.
Check your windscreen for chips and cracks.
Small chips can be repaired but if they are allowed to spread then a new windscreen will be required.
Windscreens are laminated so it’s very unlikely that they will completely break and fall in! So, if you are unfortunate to break your windscreen you will have plenty of time to get it fixed.
Inside your vehicle
When you get in your car check for the following which you will probably do on every journey.
Any warning lights on the dash. These will warn you of any issues.
These will typically be:
- Service light
- Wash fluid low
- Brake wear indicators
- *Orange Engine light. Normally means you can keep driving but book into a garage as soon as possible.
- Red Engine Lights. Do not drive and call your breakdown provider and/or garage. You may need recovering otherwise you could do more damage to your vehicle.
Check your windscreen wipers are cleaning the windows correctly. If they are smudging and making it difficult to see, change them.
MPH can help with both Fleet Software and a complete Fleet Management service.
We have 3 levels of Fleet Software to help with your requirements. The Driver App starts at just £2 per vehicle per month with the Professional just £6 per vehicle per month:
Provides you with an App that allows you to carry out vehicle checks and record them on a central database.
Gives you the ability to keep all your vehicle and driver details in one place and also providing you with a traffic light system so that you can see when RFL, Mot’s and services are due.
FleetCheck Professional gives you all the tools that you need to manage your fleet.
With all the benefits of FleetCheck Driver and Essential, FleetCheck Professional adds further enhancement.
With a simple traffic light system, you can quickly and easily see when a service, MOT and road licence is due.
Managing a fleet of vehicles can be time consuming and costly even with the right software behind you. That's why MPH offer a complete Fleet Management service where we become your virtual fleet manager and run all aspects from the day-to-day paperwork, booking services and dealing with accidents and breakdowns. All this and including the software for £14 per vehicle per month.
If you would like to discuss your requirements and see how we can help, please call 01242 500 007 for a no obligation chat.
Alternatively complete our contact form and we will be in contact.