Keep your vehicle road ready in lockdown with Trust My Garage

A new survey of the nation’s drivers has revealed more than half (54%) don’t know when their next service is due – so how can you keep your vehicle in top condition all year round? Find out with Trust My Garage!

Every year Highways England’s traffic officers deal with more than 85,000 breakdowns. 40 per cent of these breakdowns are caused by vehicles running out of fuel, poor tyre maintenance, power loss and engine trouble. These basic checks and maintenance can prevent many breakdowns:

• Check tyres – check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and their condition, including the spare. Always look out for cuts or wear and make sure tyres are comfortably over the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm.
• Check fuel – before every journey, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination. Always keep your tank at least one quarter full.
• Check engine oil – use your dipstick to check oil regularly, if your vehicle has one.Alternatively, you can use your vehicle’s information system. Top up if needed, making sure you use the correct oil. Take your car to a garage if it is requiring frequent top ups.
• Engine coolant – check your coolant is within the minimum and maximum markings.
• Check screen wash – Always keep your screen wash level topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
• Check lights – look at whether indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights are functioning properly and that your lights are clean.
• Windscreen wipers – check your wiper blades for cuts, nicks and wear. Replace them if they are not clearing your windscreen properly – and if they judder during use it’s a sign they may need replacing.

For more in-depth details on how to conduct basic checks and maintenance, take a look at our “What to do when… your vehicle needs some TLC” blog post!

If you’re looking for further help, Highways England has prepared a guide showing road users how to carry out the five most important vehicle checks: tyres, engine oil, water, lights and fuel. The guide has written details and helpful videos showing you how you can make sure your vehicle is always safe and roadworthy.

According to Highways England, knowing the benefits of regular checks and maintenance before getting on the road is key to travelling safely – but so is maintaining your vehicle’s regular servicing and maintenance schedule!

If you’re looking for a professional local garage to help with your servicing, repair or MOT needs, you can find a local CTSI approved Trust My Garage member by visiting the Trust My Garage website’s ‘Find a Garage’ map! You can even read reviews from other motorists about the members in your area to help you decide which garage is right for you. Try it out here:

Want to know more about Trust My Garage?

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who must comply with a strict code of practice. That way, every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best quality and value of service.

Have you got any top vehicle care tips? Let us know in the comments below!