Auto advice: From indicator bulbs to wiper blades and tyres, how to keep your car roadworthy so you stay safe

What do I need to know about my tyres?

Tyres are a key component of the safety of any car, so the condition of tyres is a vital factor in preventing road accidents. It is worth remembering that the only parts of a vehicle touching the road are the tyres — and acceleration, braking, steering and cornering all depend on them. So always ensure there is sufficient tread depth on each tyre. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, this is only the bare minimum and it is strongly recommended that tyres are changed when the tread is 2mm to 3mm.

While examining the tread you should always look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. Also remember when it comes to spare tyres, such as a space saver tyre, these are only to be used for a short time to get you to a tyre dealer and you must never exceed the recommended speed stamped on the tyre.​

What about lights and reflectors?

In order for your car to be in roadworthy condition, all your lights and reflectors, along with the number-plate lighting and direction indicators, must be clean and in good working order, so it’s worth spending some time making sure all the lights are working correctly.

These include the following: the front two headlights (white or yellow); two white sidelights; and direction indicator lights (amber only).

At the back, these are: two red lights (commonly known as tail lights); two red brake lights; two red reflectors; number-plate lighting; and direction indicator lights (amber only). Also, you must ensure your number plate isn’t obstructed with dirt or mud.​

What about the windscreen and the mirrors?

Ensure that your windscreen wipers and wiper blades are in good working condition and that the washer liquid is regularly topped up. If the wiper blades rub or leave streaks, it could be time to change them. Your windscreen and windows should be clean and free of clutter to make sure you can see the road and other road users clearly.

Top Tip

Stick to the recommended service schedule as this will ensure your car is in roadworthy condition and it can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency and will prevent costly emergency repairs.

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