Despite the sun making an encore, autumn is fast approaching and that means it’s the perfect time to start preparing your vehicle for colder, wetter excursions.
Many caravan and motorhome owners will be getting their leisure vehicles ready to enter storage until the next touring season. However, intrepid adventurers may be bracing for their next road trips.
From mid-September onwards, forecasts predict a wet and thundery outlook, with nights set to become noticeably darker. All of this means your driving experience will be impacted, so it’s vital to be prepared.
With that in mind, the experts at Select Car Leasing have compiled some essential steps all drivers should be taking now to ensure safe travels throughout the coming months.
Tyres
Before the weather takes a turn for the worse, check the condition of your tyres. This applies to your towcar and your caravan. Inspect the tread depth, ensure they are inflated to the appropriate level and don’t forget to look them over for any cracks or anomalies.
Remember, the legal requirement for tyre tread depth in the UK is at least 1.6 millimetres. Disregarding this rule could leave you with a £2,500 fine to pay, as well as three points on your licence for each worn tyre.
Lights
With the days becoming shorter and the nights darker, all of us will be increasingly relying on our headlights. Now is the best time to check your indicators, side lights, headlights, brake lights and reversing lights.
Look out for blown bulbs and make sure your headlights are aligned properly so they won’t dazzle other road users. If this does happen, you could be looking at a fine of £100 and three points on your licence.
Windows and wipers
Inspect your windscreen for any noticeable chips and, if you spot any, arrange for them to be repaired as soon as possible. Like many problems in life, when ignored, a small crack can quickly become a large one and therefore much more expensive to fix.
Furthermore, take a good look at your windscreen wipers. Ensure all of the rubber components in contact with the windscreen are in good condition and free from signs of splits or fraying.
Fluid levels
Never underestimate the importance of maintaining the fluid levels in your vehicle. Your checks should include the levels of coolant, oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid, all of which are integral to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.
Inspecting these regularly isn’t just sensible, but it could also save you from a lengthy spell on the side of the road in the event of a breakdown.
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
