As a parent, you’ll know nothing is more important than family. Whether they’re at home, out and about or in the car, keeping your little ones safe should always be a top priority.
The family car goes through a lot in daily life – helping to carry out the school run, weekly food shop and more. But regular maintenance is crucial to keep it roadworthy and, in turn, keep you and your family safe on the road.
Why is maintenance so important for family cars?
Family life is hectic and unpredictable, but those are two things you don’t want from your car. When you need your vehicle most, you don’t want a lack of maintenance to be what’s letting you and it down.
With ageing cars and worn parts closely linked with rising breakdown rates, surely you don’t want to risk it. Investing in a vehicle service contract can provide added protection against unexpected repairs, helping to ensure your car stays reliable and safe for your family. Keeping up with regular maintenance and servicing can reduce your chances of breakdowns while keeping you and your passengers safer on the roads. You’ll also benefit from added peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
But what do you need to do regularly besides booking in for an annual MOT online?
Check tires and tire pressures
Tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road, so they must be in good condition. This can mean a few things: inflated to the right air pressure, no cracks or splits in the sidewall and tread depth over the legal limit of 1.6mm (although much more if preferable).
Inspect your tires regularly for signs of splits and bulges. Check tire pressure and inflate (if necessary) at an air station – the recommended pressure for your car should be in the manufacturer’s handbook.
Monitor fluid levels and top-up when needed
Your car needs various fluids to run properly. Many older models require you to perform manual checks to assess these fluid levels. The reservoirs for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen wash can all be found under the bonnet.
Get familiar with the symbols, so you know what goes where, and how to check each fluid level, whether your car relies on dipsticks, visual inspections or more advanced automated sensors. It’s always better to be prepared!
Test lights and wipers
Malfunctioning lights and wipers can leave you vulnerable on the road and make you dangerous to other road users. For visibility and safety, check lights and wipers in all weather conditions before setting off.
To test headlights, simply turn them on and walk around the front of the car (while it’s in neutral and with the handbrake on) to see if they’re shining. For brake lights, apply the brake pedal and ask someone to check them for you or use a reflection behind you.
These are the maintenance fundamentals you’ll need to keep your family car in roadworthy condition and protect your family. Do these regularly alongside annual servicing and MOT tests for the best levels of safety.
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