On the 25 March, the government announced that any car, van or motorcycle MOT due from 30 March 2020 will be extended by six months. The notice is great news for key workers and drivers who drive for essential travel and work during this critical time. However, it is important to consider that your vehicle must be roadworthy as it is a legal obligation.
Here are a few tips on how to look after your vehicle during lockdown:
The first is tread. The legal requirement states tyre tread must be at least 1.6mm deep. You can buy tread depth tools that are available in petrol stations or online. Alternatively, you can put a 20p coin in the treads. If you can’t see the outer band, your tyres will need replacing. Plan to ensure you can drive to a garage safely to reduce any unnecessary journeys.
The second feature is pressure. Tyres need to be kept at their optimum pressure found on their sidewall as pressure is gradually lost over time. Even if left stationery for an extended period of time, the tyres can develop flat spots and lose their roundness. If your car may be idle for several months, roll it carefully now and then to keep them even.
Give your car, van or motorcycle a deep clean by scrubbing and waxing the exterior. Not only will this keep your vehicle looking great, but will keep your paintwork in top condition.
Nurture your tyres by cleaning away mud and grease which can help reduce corrosion.
During this time, ensure the interior is sanitized. Disinfect hard and soft surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading. Cleaning the inside of any food residue will also limit the likelihood of insects infesting inside.
Vehicle liquids
It is sensible to check the levels of fluid to ensure when you do return to the road that your vehicle is car ready.
Ensure your fuel, oil, engine coolant and window cleaner are topped up, so your vehicle is prepared for its next outing.
With MyService.Expert, you can make savings of 30% on parts and labour for your vehicle maintenance. Service, savings, security. With MOT extensions, find out how much you can save on your next booking. Find out more here.
One of the responsibilities you have as a motorist – as well as things like paying tax and getting
insurance – is taking your car in for an MOT inspection every year to ensure it’s roadworthy and
safe to drive.
This process becomes much easier – and less expensive – if you make the effort to maintain your
car and keep it in good condition. Even the most basic regular checks can help your car pass its
MOT every year with zero fuss.
With that in mind, here are the most common causes of MOT failure and what you can do to
avoid them:
Faulty lights
According to the RAC, problems with the lights and signals are the number one reason for cars
to fail their MOT, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of vehicles getting the thumbs down for this
reason.
It’s often something as simple as a blown bulb that can cause the failure, so regularly checking
all of your lights – including easily overlooked ones like the fog lamps and reversing signal – is
essential.
Suspension
RAC patrols attended 20 per cent more pothole-related breakdowns in the fourth quarter of
2019 than in the same period a year earlier, so it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that
suspension issues are a common reason for MOT failure.
You can monitor your suspension by listening out for unusual noises when you’re cornering or
driving on bumpy roads, and by parking on a flat surface and checking to see if the car sits level.
Brakes
Approximately one in ten cars fail their MOT because of issues with the brakes, and it goes
without saying that this is a vital part of your car to look after if you want to drive safely.
One of the biggest warning signs to look out for where your brakes are concerned is a squealing
or grinding sound, which usually means the brake pads are worn out and need replacing.
If you want to have maximum confidence that every part of your car is working as it should,
take it in for regular servicing and maintenance.
Fuel Card Services makes this easy with MyService.Expert, which provides access to thousands
of garages all over the UK.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced a six-month extension for
light commercial vehicles that would have required a new MOT in the near future.
It comes in response to the government’s ongoing actions to tackle the spread of the novel
coronavirus in the UK that has led to a nationwide lockdown in recent days.
Reducing the burden on UK drivers
The extension will cover all cars, vans and motorcycles, and has been set up in a way that
means further extensions can also take place until the current national health emergency is
resolved.
DVSA has set up guidance for the public for motorists and businesses requiring MOTs for
vehicles that are due both prior to March 30th and from March 30th onwards.
That said, the announcement states that all vehicles must continue to be kept in a
roadworthy condition.
The measure has been implemented to ensure all vehicle owners are able to continue to
travel at a time when many businesses up and down the country have been forced to close.
Garages, however, have been exempt and will continue to operate.
This is to ensure vehicle maintenance will continue to be carried out to ensure goods and
key workers are still able to travel safely.
Ellie Baker, Brand Manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “The extension in deadlines
will come as welcome news for those whose vehicle was due an MOT. It remains to be seen
how long the current situation will last, but at least it’s one less thing for people to worry
about.”
If you want to keep your car in the best condition and reduce your risk of suffering breakdowns
or any other unfortunate incidents on the road, pretty much the most important thing you can
do is look after the engine.
As well as taking your car in for regular checks and servicing, you can maintain your engine by
sticking to positive habits that will help you avoid common problems like overheating.
How to avoid overheating
According to the AA, overheating causes thousands of breakdowns every year across the UK.
To protect against it, you should check your coolant level once a week to see if it’s between the
minimum and maximum levels. Make sure you wait until the engine is cold before conducting
this check.
The coolant – a mixture of water and antifreeze – is found in the expansion tank, which has
minimum and maximum marks on the side. If you need to top up the coolant, make sure you’re
adding the fluid to the right tank, since putting it in the screen wash, brake fluid or power
steering reservoir could cause damage.
Most modern cars have a sealed cooling system, so you shouldn’t need to top up the coolant
too often. If you find that you’re regularly having to top up, it could be a sign of a leak, which
will need to be checked out by a professional.
Another useful step that can reduce your risk of overheating is to ensure the radiator’s electric
cooling fan starts running when the engine gets hot.
You can check this by running the engine when the car is stationary, or you can get it examined
at a garage.
With MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services, you can keep up with these sorts of inspections
with the help of regular calendar reminders and money off parts and labour.
Driving can be one of life’s great joys, but it can also be a stressful experience if you find yourself stuck in a difficult situation on the road without the vehicle repair tools & supplies you need to get yourself out of it.
Why is it important to have car tools?
You can reduce your risk of suffering motoring disasters by ensuring your car is always stocked with vital fleet tools. The objects on this list might go unused a lot of the time, but you should always ensure you have them ready for an emergency.
1. Spare tyre and jack
While these are two separate items, they can be counted as one since neither is much use without the other.
It’s wise to check your spare tyre regularly so you know it’s in usable condition should you need it.
2. Jump leads
A flat battery is another common reason for cars to break down, why not read our guide on how to check your car battery? Jump leads can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded on the side of the road and a fellow motorist offers to help you out.
You can give yourself extra protection against your vehicle’s battery dying by keeping a portable battery pack in your car. This handy device allows you to get the battery running again without having to rely on another vehicle.
3. Basic toolkit
You never know what situations you might find yourself in out on the road and what mechanical problems your car might encounter, so it’s a good idea to have a selection of basic tools with you at all times.
Having a toolkit in your vehicle means you’ll always have easy access to implements like screwdrivers, pliers and a hammer, which could come in handy if you have car problems of your own, or if you need to help someone else who has broken down.
4. Tyre pressure gauge
Making sure your tyres are always inflated to the correct pressure level is vital for many reasons. It ensures you can brake and control the car properly at all times, and also has additional benefits like helping you get maximum mileage out of every tank of fuel.
Running out of fuel is a common fear among all motorists, and it can be particularly problematic if you’re on an important journey or if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.
With an empty fuel can in your car, you can feel confident that running out of petrol or diesel won’t be an insurmountable problem as long as you’re within walking distance of a refilling station.
6. First Aid Kit
Even the most simple of first aid kits are an important part of any driver’s fleet tools.
It’s great for basic medical supplies when you’re out and about, and could also serve to patch someone up after a minor accident.
Although it is no substitute for professional medical attention, a well-stocked first-aid kit can still prove to be valuable. You can often purchase a pre-stocked kit from most pharmacies, which you can add as you go.
7. Torch/Flashlight
A flashlight is one of the essential car tools for many reasons: it can be used for everything from lighting up dark spaces under and inside your car; to being used in an emergency as a beacon to signal for help.
They’re also a good thing to have for driver safety, and you should carry one if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, especially at night or in overcast conditions. That extra bit of light might help make you more visible to other drivers.
8. Portable fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher inside your fleet vehicle is one of the ways to add some extra safety to it.
Many fleet drivers believe that fire extinguishers are necessary only in CNG cars, but any car with any fuel for propulsion may catch fire due to a short circuit.
Remember, be sure to replace it whenever it crosses its expiry date.
9. Car manual
This should be in your car at all times. How else could you tell what the warning lights on your dashboard mean?
Your owner’s manual will also go into further detail about your car’s features, which is helpful when trying to remain as safe as possible in an urgent situation.
10. Duct tape
Perhaps the most versatile object of all, car owners have found many ways to repurpose duct tape for quick-fix duties in the case of unexpected leaks, cracks, and breaks.
Car servicing with Fuel Card Services
As well as having these items in your car, it’s wise to get your vehicle serviced regularly so it’s always in good condition and you’re aware of any mechanical problems.
You can save money on parts and labour, vehicle diagnostic tools, and also get useful benefits like calendar reminders, with MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services.
