If it’s been an extended period of time since you last drove your vehicle, it’s recommended that you follow some general advice in order to avoid running into issues. Advice has been provided by the UK government to help drivers check their vehicles and knowledge levels before taking to the roads.
The advice has particular relevance now as road usage is slowly getting back to pre-pandemic levels as lockdowns start to lift. Many people had reservations about driving during the peak of the pandemic, but these are starting to ease off. If you haven’t been behind the wheel since early 2020, then it’s best to follow this advice before jumping in and setting off.
Check your fuel levels
Although it might seem pedantic, it’s essential to take a look at your fuel levels before starting your journey.
Assuming that you have enough fuel to get you from A to B can leave you stranded if your fuel levels were lower than expected. This is especially relevant at the moment, as many of us are looking to get away on holiday over summer once restrictions lift.
Ensure your water levels are topped up
Visibility on the road is paramount when getting back behind the wheel. You’ll want to be sure your screen wash is of a suitable level so you can keep your windscreen clear and clean.
Without it, you could be stuck struggling with a mucky screen on a busy road – not the ideal conditions to be driving in after months off the road.
Test your engine oil
If it’s been a while since you last drove, it’s likely you haven’t carried out essential maintenance checks on your car for a while.
Use the dipstick to take a look at your oil levels and top up as required. Perform this check regularly when getting behind the wheel and monitor the oil levels. If you’re topping it up more frequently than you feel is right, visit a garage to have it checked.
Take a look at your lights and tyres
Make sure all your lights are functional before setting off and that your tyres have sufficient pressure and tread.
Driving without all your lights can lead to an accident, either because you can’t see the road properly or because people don’t have full visibility of your vehicle.
Your tyres need to be in good driving condition or your car might not handle as you expect. Use a tyre pressure gauge and use the 20p test to ensure the tread is deep enough. If your tyres aren’t up to scratch, you should buy new car tyres ASAP.
Make sure your car MOT and insurance are still valid
Although there are mechanical things to be aware of when driving again, the paperwork for your vehicle is just as important.
If you end up accidentally driving without a valid MOT, you can be fined up to £1,000 – considerably more than what the average MOT test costs. It’s also worth checking your car insurance policy is still in place if you didn’t renew your policy. Its a fact that not all prospective Uber drivers know they need private hire insurance.
Once you’ve dealt with these five points and familiarised yourself with your vehicle again, you’ll be able to head out on your journey feeling confident that your car is in working order.
