The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to perform essential car checks before the new school year begins. These checks help ensure a safe and legal school run, minimizing breakdowns and maximizing safety.
10 Key Checks:
- Seatbelts: Ensure all belts are functional and child seats are properly secured.
- Documentation: Verify valid insurance, MOT certificate, and road tax (except electric cars).
- Oil Levels: Top up engine oil to the recommended level using the correct type.
- Battery Charge: If your car has been parked for a while, take a long drive to recharge the battery. Electric vehicles should be plugged in beforehand.
- Lights: Check all lights, including fog lamps and indicators, for proper function.
- Wiper Blades: Replace worn or damaged wiper blades to ensure clear visibility.
- Tyre Pressure: Inflate all tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Check tread depth and for any defects.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Don’t ignore illuminated warning lights. Address them promptly to avoid potential problems.
- Windscreen Wash: Top up the washer fluid reservoir and ensure all jets are working properly.
- General Maintenance: Regularly maintain your car throughout the year for optimal performance and safety.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance:
- Enhanced safety for you and other road users
- Reduced risk of breakdowns
- Lower repair costs
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, explained: “The return to school after a well-earned break can be an exciting, yet busy time to get kids fully prepared and ready to go for the new term. However, just as crucial is having a well-maintained car, which helps make for safe and stress-free school runs, and is one less thing to worry about in the transition back to the daily routine following the holiday period.”
Bill added: “Our checklist of ten areas to look out for are a handy aide-memoire for drivers, but of course ensuring your car is consistently in optimum condition should be high up on the ‘to do’ list all-year-round. This guarantees the safety of all vehicle occupants and other road users, and of course, drives down the risk of any unwanted breakdowns.”
Rebecca Pullan, Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage in Harrogate, said: “Prevention is always better than cure. By staying on top of routine maintenance and addressing small issues promptly, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid those bigbudget fixes that comes with them. This is especially pertinent for those who are dependent on their car as the sole mode of transport to get kids to and from school.”
By following these tips and performing regular maintenance, drivers can ensure a safe and stress-free school run for themselves and their children.
To view The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated information resources on vehicle maintenance, please click here.
