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Before you set off - don't leave home before making some vital checks on your car

See also breakdown cover page for details of who sells breakdown cover online

Some basic info is now included as part of the driving test as to what pre-journey checks to make on your car.

In bad weather check you have enough fuel for your journey and that you have hot drinks and blankets in the car as well as some high energy food eg: chocolate.

Check the tyres

Check tyre pressure about once a fortnight, visually inspect the tyres for cuts and wear, don't forget the spare either.

Do you have a basic toolkit in the car?
Could you change a tyre if you needed to?

Have you checked the engine oil?

This check is included in the test - its not hard!

Water - do you have enough coolant?
Have you got the right amount of antifreeze in it?

Wipers? & Screenwash

Do they work? Are they not smearing?
Have you got enough screenwash?
Whilst you're checking the wipers look at the windscreen too.

Lights
Check your lights all work.

Powersteering
Does it work ok? Do you know how to check? Look in your car manual for specific advice.

The car body
Have you got rust? Dents? Check your bodywork is ok.

Setting off

Finally you can set off. test the brakes work very shortly after you set off - if they don't then seek advice and don't drive your car!