Drivers who do not perform regular security checks on their vehicle can be fined £ 2,500 if their car is deemed unfit for road use.
More worryingly, neglecting your car could put you at a higher risk of road accidents.
According to the Highway Code, driving a car that is in a dangerous condition is a punishable offense with a £ 2,500 fine and three points to your driver’s license, reports The Mirror.
If, within three years of a previous conviction for a similar crime, it is determined that you are driving a questionable vehicle, you could be completely deprived of your driving license.
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Mike Thompson, Director, Leasing Options said, “After a year of public uncertainty, it’s great to see people take a well-deserved break and go on road trips.
There are some basic safety checks that you should do on your vehicle
(Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
“However, it is important that the driver does a few simple quick checks before driving to make sure his vehicle is in a safe condition to drive long distances.
“Motorists who do not do this could risk breaking down while driving and also face a fine if their vehicle is classified in a dangerous condition.”
Here are some basic checks you should perform to avoid driving a car that could be classified as dangerous:
Check your tire tread
The UK legal tire tread depth for cars is 1.6mm over the middle three quarters of the tire.
Worn tires are dangerous and if their tread depth is below the legal value, you are breaking the law.
The easiest way to test this is to take a 20 pence coin and stick it into the tread grooves of the tire.
If you can see the outer band on the coin, your tires could be below the legal limit.
Check for slow punctures
Slow breakdowns – a tiny hole in your tire that gradually gives off air – means your tires are losing more air than they should.
Driving longer than necessary is dangerous as this slow flat tire is more likely to lead to a complete flat tire.
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You can use a tire pressure gauge to check for signs of a slow flat tire.
The biggest warning signs to look out for are when your vehicle is pulling more to one side or when the steering wheel is vibrating.
Check your tire valves
Problems with the tire valves can also be a cause of a slow flat tire, so any type of failure can result in your car not being able to drive.
One way to check this at home is to put some dish soap in water, remove the valve cap, and smear the liquid over the tire valve.
If bubbles form, the vehicle is most likely damaged in a tire valve.
It is also more worrying that your car will cause an accident if your vehicle is not safe to drive
(Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Check your clutch
An important sign of a failing clutch pedal is an altered clutch feel – for example, if it is difficult to operate.
A struggling cable will find it difficult to move when the clutch pedal is depressed, resulting in a pedal that resists being depressed when depressed.
If you keep stepping on the pedal, the cable may tear.
You should have your vehicle checked immediately if you suspect your clutch is failing.
Check for signs of a coolant leak
A coolant leak is one of the most common causes of an overheated engine, but you can run a few checks to see if there is a problem.
When the vehicle is cold, look under your vehicle – preferably first thing in the morning before driving it – to see if there is any liquid on the floor.
If the liquid is coolant, look around under the hood and look for moisture.
Another check is to feel the underside of your radiator to see if it is leaking.
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Also, watch out for whitish debris or rust-colored stains as these can indicate a dried out old leak.
Check for dim or flickering light
Faint or flickering lights could indicate a fault with your alternator.
The alternator is responsible for powering a vehicle.
Another sign that your alternator may be playing is that your electronic speedometer is not working.
If your car’s temperature rises quickly and the ignition warning light is on, it could be a warning sign that the belt that drives the alternator and water pump may be faulty.
In this case you should not try to restart your vehicle.
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