Driving an unsafe vehicle in South Africa can have dire consequences. With more than 800,000 road accidents reported across the country every year, the risks are all too real. Faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, or malfunctioning lights can turn a routine journey into a life-threatening situation. These dangers are compounded by South Africa’s unpredictable weather and varying road conditions, from pothole-ridden urban streets to rugged rural paths.
The financial implications of neglecting your car safety can also be severe. Unexpected breakdowns disrupt your daily life and lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided with regular maintenance. If you’re involved in an accident, an unsafe vehicle may void your insurance claim, leaving you with a significant financial burden.
Ensuring your car is safe to drive isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a responsibility that protects you, your passengers, and other road users. Regular vehicle maintenance is essential, but it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the necessary checks. That’s where our car safety checklist comes in handy. When you follow a comprehensive checklist, you can systematically address all aspects of your vehicle’s safety, from tyre pressure to brake function, ensuring your car is always road-ready.
What is a car safety checklist?
Your car safety checklist tasks usually include checking various parts and systems of your car. Your car safety checklist helps you stay on top of maintenance and identify any potential issues before they become serious.You need a car safety checklist to ensure your car is safe to drive, every day.
Bidvest Insurance’s vehicle safety checklist
Ensure regular servicing of your car
Don’t skip your car’s routine services. Failing to follow your car’s manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can result in unnoticed wear and tear, reducing the vehicle’s performance and safety.
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring your vehicle operates safely and efficiently. Adhering to the manufacturer’s service schedule helps identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Neglecting routine service can lead to decreased performance, increased wear and tear, and potentially costly repairs down the line.
Check your tyres
Are your tyres feeling deflated? You should check your tyre pressure every two to four weeks, especially before setting off on a long journey. Properly inflated tyres enhance your vehicle’s performance and help you stay safe on the road. Well-inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency, provide better traction, and reduce your risk of blowouts, which can lead to serious accidents.
Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too! An overlooked spare can be a lifesaver in emergencies, but it won’t do you any good if it’s flat. Regularly inspecting your main and spare tyres ensures that you’re fully prepared for any situation. Maintaining optimal tyre pressure and keeping your spare in good condition, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re taking essential steps to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
How to check your tyre pressure:
- Visit your nearest garage.
- Ask an attendant to check your tyre pressure.
- Ensure your tyre pressure matches the recommended tyre pressure in your car’s manual.
- Adjust the pressure accordingly.
Additional Tyre Safety Checks:
- Tyre tread depth: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth, especially for wet or icy conditions. Remember, the minimum tread depth allowed by law in South Africa is 1.6 millimetres. If you’re driving in wet or icy conditions, don’t drive with tyres that have a tread of below 4 millimetres.
Damage inspection: Regularly inspect your tyres for cuts, bulges, wheel alignment issues or other damage. Replace any damaged tyres immediately to maintain safety.
Top up your engine oil
Your engine needs to be well oiled. You should always check your engine oil at least once a month, and always before a long road-trip. If your oil levels are low, you’ll need to top up your engine oil. Always make sure you’re using the correct oil type for your car. Refer to your car’s manual for the recommended oil specifications. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to inadequate lubrication, increased friction, and ultimately engine damage.
How to check your engine oil:
- Ensure your car is turned off.
- Open your bonnet and look for the oil dipstick (the handle says “engine oil”).
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe clean with disposable paper.
- Insert the dipstick all the way in. Then, pull the dipstick back out to check the oil level.
- Your oil level should be between the L(low) and F(full).
- If your oil level is low, add more oil and then check again.
- Check your owner’s manual for the best oil for your car.
Ensure your lights are working
You need lights to drive at night. You should check your car lights at least once every six months to ensure they are working properly.
How to check your car lights:
- Ask a friend or family member to help you.
- Ask them to stand in front of your car.
- Turn on your front lights and ask your friend or family member to confirm your lights are working correctly.
- Do the same for your back lights.
- If any lights are not working, replace them immediately. Ensure you use bulbs that meet the specifications outlined in your vehicle’s manual for optimal performance.
Test your battery
If your battery is faulty, your car won’t start. It’s essential to check your car battery at least once every six months to ensure it remains in good condition.
How to check your car battery:
- Open your bonnet: Locate your car battery.
- Inspect battery terminals: Remove the plastic covers on your battery terminals and check for any signs of corrosion. This may appear as a white, powdery substance. Corroded terminals can reduce electrical flow. Your terminals may need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Battery health: If you notice significant corrosion, or if your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested at a battery shop. Your battery shop attendant can assess your battery’s ability to hold a charge and advise if you need to replace your battery.
Check your windscreen and wiper blades
It’s important to ensure that your windscreen is free from chips and cracks, as these can obstruct your view and compromise safety. Regularly inspect your windscreen for any damage, especially before long trips.
- Windscreen inspection: Look for chips or cracks that could impair your visibility or compromise the safety of your windscreen. If you find any damage, consider having your windscreen repaired or replaced promptly for your own safety, and to avoid further damage.
- Windscreen wipers: Check your windscreen wiper blades for wear and tear. If they are cracked, or appear worn and fail to clear water effectively, it’s time to replace them.
- Fluid levels: Ensure that your windscreen fluid is topped up regularly. This helps to keep your windscreen clean and improves visibility.
Beyond the basics
Beyond the basics of car maintenance, you should also check on every safety feature your car has. Ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted to provide clear visibility around and behind your vehicle. Check for any loose body panels that could detach while driving. Verify that all your seatbelts are functioning correctly and that appropriate car seats are securely installed for your young children. Don’t forget to confirm that your airbags are in working order. Check your alarm system and tracking device are working perfectly. Lastly, protect your financial investment by ensuring your vehicle is adequately insured. These steps, combined with regular maintenance, will help ensure your physical safety on the road and peace of mind while driving.
Common safety and maintenance mistakes to avoid
Many South African car owners make the mistake of neglecting regular safety and maintenance checks, which can lead to serious issues. Some common mistakes include:
- Ignoring tyre care: Under or over-inflated tyres and worn tyre tread can compromise grip and fuel efficiency, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Overlooking brake maintenance: Worn brake pads or discs can affect stopping distance, compromising safety. Ignoring squeaking or grinding noises may lead to brake failure.
- Ignoring warning lights: Warning lights are there for a reason. Ignoring them can affect your car’s safety and your budget.
- Neglecting fluid checks: Insufficient oil, coolant, or brake fluid levels can lead to engine overheating, brake failure, and other costly damages.
- Using cheap parts: Opting for low-quality or incorrect replacement parts may save money initially, but it can compromise the safety of your vehicle.
- Delaying minor repairs: Small issues, like a cracked windshield or misaligned wheels, if left unattended, can escalate into bigger, more expensive problems down the line.
The consequences of ignoring these maintenance and safety checks can be severe. Neglecting regular inspections increases the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures. Additionally, a lack of maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you stranded and potentially facing hazardous situations on the road. Regular maintenance enhances vehicle safety, and also improves fuel efficiency and prolongs the life of your vehicle.
How can a Motor Warranty help with car safety?
A Motor Warranty can help assist in keeping your car safe and in good condition. A Motor Warranty protects you from mechanical and electrical breakdowns. A Motor Warranty from Bidvest Insurance gives you cover for various major components. A Motor Warranty helps you ensure your car safety.
A Mechanical Warranty from Bidvest Insurance covers major components, including:
- Engine components.
- Gearboxes.
- Steering mechanisms.
- Braking systems.
- Suspension systems.
- Fuel systems.
A Motor Warranty gives you added protection and peace of mind in case of breakdowns. Always follow a car safety checklist and invest in a Motor Warranty. A Motor Warranty helps you ensure that your car is always safe to drive. Get a Motor Warranty from Bidvest Insurance today.
