Your Vehicle Safety Checklist

A big part of staying safe on the road is ensuring your vehicle is in good shape. Taking it to a trusted auto service centre for a regular tune-up is a must, but there are also a number of checks you should be doing yourself on a regular basis.

Tire pressure

A quick visual check before getting behind the wheel works in a pinch, but it’s important to take out your tire gauge every few weeks or so. Driving on low or flat tires is unsafe and can damage rims and other vehicle components.

Tire tread

Having good traction is essential for safe driving. If you don’t have a tire tread depth gauge, you can use a toonie to measure the depth. When the tread is at the spot where the silver and gold parts of the coin meet, it’s about 50% worn; when it’s only halfway up the silver lettering, it’s time to replace your tires.

Exterior lights

The bulbs in your car’s headlights, taillights, brake lights and signal lights eventually burn out. And occasionally they do so prematurely. Driving with one or more burned-out headlights affects visibility, while burned-out brake and signal lights prevent you from communicating effectively with other drivers. To check your lights, have a helper walk around the car as you operate them.

Windshield wipers

You never know when you’ll get caught in the   rain, so it’s important that your wipers are always in good working condition. Wipers are vital to ensuring good visibility when driving in rain and snow. Don’t forget to keep your windshield wiper fluid filled up.

Fluid levels

Keeping your car’s fluids filled up and fresh is vital. This includes the motor oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Refer to your owner’s manual to perform fluid checks yourself. Alternatively, your mechanic will check all the fluids as a matter of course any time you bring your car in.

The motor oil is the fluid that needs changing most often — every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres or about twice a year. When checking your motor oil, don’t just look at the level: also pay attention to the colour and consistency. Fresh oil has a transparent brown colour, while old oil is thick and black.

Dependable Auto Repair in Vancouver and Across British Columbia

Do you need an oil change or need your brakes checked? Or is it time to bring your car in for a tune-up? Trust the qualified team at Minit-Tune & Brake to handle all your car maintenance and auto repair needs. Contact us to book an appointment at one of our service centres in Vancouver and across British Columbia.