Vehicle Safety, Maintenance and Roadworthiness
The walk-round check
Before a journey, walk around the vehicle. Check that tyres look properly inflated and undamaged, that all lights work (headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards), that mirrors and seats are adjusted, that the windscreen is clean and the wipers work, and that the horn sounds. Under the bonnet, check engine oil, coolant and brake fluid with the engine off and the vehicle level. Carry a spare wheel, jack and wheel brace.
Tyres and brakes
Tyres are your only contact with the road. Check pressure when the tyres are cold - after a long run they heat up and read high, so a hot reading will mislead you. Tread depth matters: a common legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, and worn tyres dramatically lengthen wet braking distances. Brakes should feel firm and pull the vehicle up in a straight line; any sponginess, grinding or pull to one side needs attention before you drive.
Load, lights and warnings
Do not overload the vehicle or exceed roof or axle limits - overload ruins braking and steering. Secure loads. Watch the dashboard: a red warning light (oil pressure, brakes, battery, temperature) means stop as soon as it is safe. Keep the windscreen washer bottle filled.
Traps
Questions that describe checking tyre pressure after a long drive, checking oil with the engine running, or assuming ABS shortens stopping distances on every surface - on gravel or wet roads it may not.
Worked example
A tyre looks soft. Check it cold, inflate to the pressure on the vehicle placard, then re-check. Rule of thumb: if a red light comes on, stop and investigate - never 'drive it home'.