What's happened
As summer approaches, vehicle safety becomes crucial. Experts emphasize the importance of checking tyres, windscreen, and engine fluids to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe journeys. With rising temperatures, specific precautions are necessary to avoid overheating and accidents. Drivers are urged to conduct thorough inspections before embarking on road trips.
What's behind the headline?
Importance of Vehicle Inspections
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Tyre Safety: Proper tyre pressure and tread depth are vital for safe driving. Under-inflated tyres can lead to blowouts, while insufficient tread increases skidding risks. Experts recommend checking pressure regularly and ensuring a minimum tread depth of 3mm for safety.
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Windscreen Checks: Surprisingly, only 22% of UK drivers inspect their windscreens for chips before trips. Small chips can quickly escalate into larger cracks, compromising visibility and safety. Repairing these before travel is both cost-effective and crucial for safety.
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Engine and Fluid Levels: Regular checks of engine oil and coolant levels are essential to prevent overheating, especially in high temperatures. Drivers should ensure that all fluids are at appropriate levels before long journeys.
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Temperature Precautions: In extreme heat, vehicles are at risk of overheating. Drivers should inspect for leaks, ensure fuel caps are secure, and avoid leaving hazardous items inside the car that could ignite.
Conclusion
Conducting these checks not only enhances safety but also contributes to a smoother travel experience. As summer travel increases, prioritizing vehicle maintenance will help prevent breakdowns and accidents on the road.
What the papers say
According to Surabhi Vasundharadevi from Gulf News, as UAE temperatures approach 50°C, vehicle overheating becomes a significant concern. She emphasizes the importance of checking for fluid leaks and ensuring proper coolant levels. Meanwhile, The Scotsman highlights that many drivers neglect windscreen inspections, with only 22% checking for chips before trips. Ed Colley from Autoglass® warns that even minor chips can lead to larger cracks, compromising safety. Additionally, Mark Eatwell from Hankook Tyre UK stresses the necessity of maintaining proper tyre pressure and tread depth to prevent blowouts and ensure safe handling. These insights collectively underscore the critical need for thorough vehicle checks as summer travel begins.
How we got here
With the onset of summer and rising temperatures, vehicle safety checks are increasingly important. Recent studies highlight that many drivers overlook critical inspections, particularly of their windscreens and tyres, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Go deeper
- What are the most common vehicle issues in summer?
- How can I check my tyre pressure correctly?
- What should I do if I find a chip in my windscreen?
Common question
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What Vehicle Checks Are Essential Before Summer Travel?
As summer approaches, ensuring your vehicle is road-ready is crucial for safe travels. With rising temperatures and increased travel, it's important to know what checks to perform to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Below are some common questions drivers have about vehicle safety this summer.
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