Vehicle Checks

You should carry out a safety check on your vehicle once a month. Checks should include the following

Tyres: 

Tyres should have a minimum thread of 1.6mm and be pumped to the correct pressure. Below 1.6mm thread breaking efficiency decreases significantly and surveys show that 1 in 8 cars on Irish roads are below this limit.
Tyres are your only contact with the road surface and any defect in a tyre will reduce your grip and increase your stopping distance in an emergency. Having good tyres at the correct pressure will improve the handling of the car and improve road safety. Other benefits are longer tyre life, reduction in fuel consumption, which saves you money and reduces CO2 emissions.
Tyres with any sign of a defect or bulge in the sidewall should be replaced immediately.

Lights:

All lights should be in good working order. Particular attention should be given to rear break lights, as in normal circumstances, you will not know if a bulb has blown unless someone tells you.

Windscreen Wipers:

If a wiper does not clear the windscreen fully it should be replaced. The complete wiper blade should be replaced as, in most cases, if the rubber is worn; the “hinges” in the blade will also be worn and will not hold the rubber at the correct angle to clear the window properly.

Under the Bonnet:

Check oil level, coolant level and brake fluid level. You should also top-up the windscreen wash

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