Vehicle maintenance checks-      P.O.W.D.E.R.

P – Petrol

Have you enough petrol for your journey? Will you need to fill up before the days out? Plan where and when to fill up maybe. When filling up think of forecourt safety.

O – Oil

Check the oil level. Don’t forget to do so when the engine is not hot and when the vehicle is parked on level ground. Do you know what the best grade of oil is for your vehicle?

W – Water

Check the coolant reservoir level. Also do not forget the windscreen washer fluid; this should be regularly topped up with a suitable detergent, not just water.

D- Damage

Check the outside of the vehicle for any signs of damage such as loose trim or wheel covers etc. Check light lenses and window condition.

E – Electrics

Check that ALL lights are working. Also check the horn and windscreen wiper controls are functioning correctly.

R – Rubber

Check all tyres for signs of damage or wear. Also check the tyre pressures. Don’t forget the spare! Also check the wiper blades are not worn, damaged or dirty.

How often?

Some would say these should be daily checks and certainly I would recommend this for high mileage drivers and definitely before any long journey. The average motorist perhaps only needs to make some of these checks weekly but I would strongly recommend that these checks are not left any longer. Also do not forget to periodically check things like brake and power assisted steering fluid levels.

Get your vehicle regularly serviced in accordance with the vehicle’s handbook.