The second national lockdown means that many people will be continuing to work from home, or going back to the home office set up if they had returned to the office. It also means our cars are likely to be sat on the drive and being used very little if at all over the next month.

With winter approaching too, it means your car will be subject to much colder weather, rain, sleet, and maybe even snow. It makes it even more important to make some vital checks on your car before you are able to take it out again once the lockdown comes to an end.

Here’s our guide to keeping your car roadworthy during the lockdown.

Check your horn

Make sure your horn is loud and clear, simply by sounding it from your steering wheel.

Lights

The lockdown is due to end on 2 December, and it will be even darker outside then, so ensuring that your rear, fog, brake, indicator, hazard, and your headlights are all operating correctly is essential.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Your vehicle handbook should tell you which warning lights are present when the engine is turned on, and you will be able to see if there is anything wrong with parts of your car such as the engine and engine oil, brakes, airbags, and tyre pressure.

Brake Fluid

The master cylinder in your engine will have ‘max’ and ‘min’ markings for your brake fluid, and the level should be between the two. If you need to top it up, make sure you buy the correct brake fluid for your make of car.

Check Mirrors

All your mirrors should be intact and give you a clear view in at least one interior and one exterior offside mirror. Make sure they are not cracked or show signs of damage.

Tyre Pressure and Tread

You should check your tyres at least once a month for the desired pressure, and the tread is equally crucial, especially if conditions are colder come December, and potentially icy. You need a minimum of 1.6mm around the whole band of the tyre.

Engine Oil

Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it to get an accurate measurement of the engine oil. Similar to brake fluid, there will be ‘min’ and ‘max’ markings to ensure it is at the correct level. Use the correct engine oil for your car if it needs topping up.

Windows and Field of View

Darker evenings and inclement weather mean that being able to clearly see out of your windscreen is crucial. It should have no marks larger than 10mm and make sure that any devices such as GPS or phone holders do not obstruct your view.

Never take a risk with a windscreen that looks damaged, and use windscreen repair and replacement services to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

Clean and Maintain your Car

A clean car will give you peace of mind that you have been keeping on top of everything. It is a legal requirement to make sure your number plates can be seen clearly.

Take it for a spin

You should not be taking any unnecessary journeys, but there will be times when you can take your car out, which will ensure the engine and battery are in good condition for when we can all take to the roads again.

If you need windscreen replacement in the UK, get in touch today!