Vehicle Safety, Equipment and Basic Maintenance
A roadworthy vehicle is a legal requirement and a safety basic. Before driving, walk around the car and check tyres, lights, mirrors and bodywork, and look for leaks or objects in the road. Tyres must have adequate tread and correct pressure; check pressure when cold and remember that under-inflation causes heat, poor handling and higher fuel use. Look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear, which can indicate alignment problems.
Lights must work: headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and hazard lights. Keep lenses clean. Brakes should feel firm and the pedal should not sink. Check the handbrake holds the car. Windscreen washers and wipers must work, and the windscreen must be clear. Mirrors must be adjusted before you move off. The horn should work but must not be used aggressively or in built-up areas at night except in danger.
Inside the car, seat belts and head restraints must be correctly adjusted. Do not carry loose heavy objects that could become missiles in a crash. Know where the spare wheel, jack and warning triangle are, and carry a reflective vest. If a warning light stays on after starting, investigate it rather than ignoring it.
Question traps include believing a visual check of tyre pressure is enough, or that a warning light can be ignored until a service. Another trap is confusing tread depth with pressure. Also remember that a vehicle can fail its inspection for something as simple as a broken indicator bulb.
Rule of thumb: if a tyre, light or brake is doubtful, treat the car as unroadworthy and do not drive it until it is checked.