Whether it’s taking a long drive to the beach or ducking down to the local oval for your kids’ big game, keep you and your passengers safe by making routine checks to ensure your car’s in tip-top condition.
Whether it’s driving to work, driving to buy groceries or driving on a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to have your vehicle in tip-top condition. Here are a few ways to get your car road ready.
Pay attention to your vehicle
It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle and listen and look out for any out of character signs. No matter how new or old your vehicle is – or how long or short your drive is – you should always treat your vehicle like a person and regularly check if it’s in good working order.
Organise routine checks
Regularly schedule routine checks to give your vehicle the love and care it deserves. When the engine is cold, do all the usual checks, such as inspecting the oil, brake and power steering fluids, and engine coolant transmission fluids. Look underneath for obvious leaks and check the whereabouts of all little people before you take off.
Make light of every situation
Checking all the lights including indicators, low and high beam headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, warning lights, brake lights and reverse lights. If you don’t have another set of eyes to help you out, reverse up to a reflective surface or take it to a mechanic for a safety and service check.
Check your tread
When your car is cold and you haven’t been driving it, check tyre pressure and make sure the tread is at least 1.5 millimetres – this includes the spare tyre too.
Get a clear view of the road ahead
If your windscreen wipers start to squeak, skip, streak, smear or split then it may be time to swap them for new ones.
Sort out the paperwork
Be sure your rego is valid and your motor vehicle insurance cover is up-to-date. And if you’re crossing borders or travelling in unfamiliar terrains, check local road rules and make sure you’re aware of varying driving conditions so you’re prepared for the journey.
There is a lot to consider when comparing motor vehicle insurance cover. If you’re looking for assistance with choosing the right cover for your needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience.
Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.
Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.
