Safety and Your Vehicle: Keep It Roadworthy

A well-maintained car keeps you and everyone around you safe. Knowing your checks prevents breakdowns, fines, and serious incidents.

• Use the POWDER (or POWERS) routine: Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber/Self.
• Tyres must have 1.6 mm tread across the central three-quarters and be inflated to handbook pressures.
• Seat belts and child restraints must be correctly fitted; it’s the driver’s legal responsibility (Rules 99–102).

• Walk around the car looking for damage, leaks, or obstructions.
• Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, and screenwash levels before long journeys.
• Confirm lights, indicators, horn, wipers, and washers operate correctly.

Red lights mean stop as soon as it’s safe. Amber lights need attention soon—book diagnostics or check the manual. Blue or green lights simply confirm systems are active, like full beam or cruise control.

• Adjust head restraints to eye level and close to the back of the head.
• Stow loose items in the boot or secure storage to prevent injury in a collision.
• Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.