Essential car safety checks

Check your car for safety issues and make sure it’s in working order easily with these four easy tips. They’ll have you breaking down less, and reducing the risks of accidents without the need for a mechanic in between services.

Seat belts should be checked for wear and tear and damage from the sun. Give them a good tug to make sure they resist. If they are loose or don’t resist, make sure to get them checked out by a professional.

Tyres should be checked for correct air pressure at most service stations around Australia. Check the gauge and you can release air or fill up accordingly. Also check your tyres have adequate tread and that you have a spare in the boot in case of a flat!

Oil can be checked easily. Remove the dipstick and wipe clean, then replace and pull out again to see where the oil is sitting on the stick. If it’s between the two markings you’re good to go! Otherwise, you can easily top it up at home. Always keep an eye on the floor where you park for fluid markings which can raise the alarm about other issues with your vehicle.

Lights can be checked by watching for a reflection of light on the garage walls. Whilst you’re at it you can also flick on your wipers to make sure they work, sound your horn, and check for cracks in the glass and mirrors. Don’t forget to check your handbrake on steep hills periodically as well.

These checks can easily be performed at home, however don’t forget to enlist a mechanic when it comes to regular servicing to ensure the more complicated tasks are performed safely and correctly. Becoming familiar with your vehicle is important so you know what your mechanic is talking about, and for safety on the roads.

Plus, don’t forget to make sure you have the right car insurance to suit your needs. For more information, visit our insurance page or call 1300 154 166.

Important Information
Standard underwriting criteria and policy terms and conditions apply. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722, AFSL 227681 trading as CGU Insurance (CGU). In arranging this insurance, Victoria Teachers Limited ABN 44 087 651 769 AFSL 240960 trading as Snow Star Credit Union (Snow Star Credit Union), acts under its own AFSL and under an agreement with CGU, not as your agent. Snow Star Credit Union receives commission when selling CGU insurance products. Please refer to Snow Star Credit Union’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) for details of these commissions. Any advice is general only. This information does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before acquiring a product, available by calling us on 1300 654 166.