Ensure that seat belts, wipers, washers, brakes, lights, demisters, and even the exhaust system are all working and in good condition.
In this article, you will find out the most about vehicle maintenance and its security, particularly about the most vulnerable part of your vehicle.
When it comes to your vehicle maintenance, there are very important parts of your car that you must take into account, and ensure it is in optimal condition at all times.
Some of them are as listed below but extra attention must be paid when the vehicle is well loaded up;
Lights.
Indicators.
Number plates.
Reflector.
Oil level and quality.
windscreen.
Windows.
All the above mentioned should be kept clean and well measured up.
The lights should always be properly adjusted to avoid shining intensely at other road users.
The vehicle exhaust must be checked regularly so that it does not exceed the prescribed level leading to environmental pollution of toxic carbon gases.
The seatbelt should always be working and in the best possible condition, and the mirrors and head restraint should also be properly adjusted before you set it for the road.
Laws RVLR regs 26 & 30, & CUR regs 35 & 74
Warning displays
In modern cars, warning displays are used to alert the driver of potential problems or malfunctions in the vehicle. These warning displays can take the form of dashboard warning lights, text messages on the instrument panel, or audible alarms. It is important to be aware of these warning displays and to understand what they mean, as they can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.
There are many different warning displays that a car may have, and each one typically indicates a specific problem or malfunction. Some common warning displays include:
Check Engine Light: This light is typically a yellow or amber color and indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s engine or emission control system. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be a more serious issue such as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor.
Oil Pressure Warning Light: This light is usually a red or yellow color and indicates that the oil pressure in the engine is low. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as low oil levels, a malfunctioning oil pump, or worn bearings. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible, as low oil pressure can cause serious damage to the engine.
Brake Warning Light: This light is typically red and indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s brakes. It could be a simple issue such as low brake fluid levels, or it could be a more serious problem such as a malfunctioning brake booster or worn brake pads. It is important to address any brake issues as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the vehicle.
Temperature Warning Light: This light is typically red and indicates that the engine is overheating. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning radiator, a stuck thermostat, or low coolant levels. It is important to address this issue immediately, as an overheated engine can cause serious damage.
If you see a warning display on your car’s dashboard, it is important to pay attention to it and to address the issue as soon as possible. If you are unsure of what the warning means or how to fix the problem, you should consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic.
As much as possible endeavor that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs
How to know when a vehicle is displaying warning signs before or at ignition stage
There are several warning signs that a vehicle may display before or at the ignition stage, which could indicate a potential problem or malfunction. Here are a few examples of warning signs to look out for:
Dead Battery: If the vehicle fails to start or makes a clicking noise when you try to start it, it could be a sign that the battery is dead or faulty.
Faulty ignition system: If the vehicle cranks but does not start, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the ignition system. This could be caused by a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or distributor.
Fuel system issues: If the vehicle has trouble starting or runs rough when it is running, it could be a sign of a fuel system issue. This could be caused by a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or malfunctioning fuel injectors.
Cooling system issues: If the vehicle’s temperature gauge is reading high or the vehicle is overheating, it could be a sign of a problem with the cooling system. This could be caused by a leaking radiator, a faulty thermostat, or low coolant levels.
*In modern vehicles if you turn the ignition key, some warning lights will be illuminated but will go out as soon as the engine starts (except for the handbrake warning light), if they do not, or if they come on while you are driving, you might want to stop or get to your garage and investigate the problem.
In a case where the charge light of your car signals while you’re driving, the first thought would be that your battery might not be charging, which can certainly lead to power loss due to the electrical and electronics units of your car.
Tinted windows
Tinted windows have proven to have quite a number of benefits but it is best when it is left on manufacturers standards, because some tinting are done during the time of manufacture to match up with the Visual light transmission standards (VTL).
The rear windscreen and passenger window do not have this standard so they may be tinted accordingly.
At the same time there are several reasons why you might not want to use a car with tinted windows:
Reduced visibility: Tinted windows can reduce visibility, which can make it more difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles on the road. This can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult to drive safely.
Legal issues: In some areas, it is illegal to tint the windows of a car beyond a certain level. If the tint on your car’s windows is too dark, you could be pulled over and ticketed by the police.
Increased heat: Tinted windows can block out some of the sunlight, which can make the inside of the car hotter. This can be uncomfortable for passengers and may make it more difficult to see out of the windows due to the glare.
Decreased resale value: Some buyers may be hesitant to purchase a car with tinted windows, as it can be more difficult to see inside the car and may not appeal to everyone. This could potentially decrease the resale value of the vehicle.
Overall, while tinted windows can have some aesthetic benefits, they can also have some drawbacks that may make them less desirable to some people. It is important to consider these potential issues before deciding to tint the windows of your car.
Laws RTO 1995 Art 58, CUR reg 37 & CU(A)R 2005
Tires
Tires are an important component of any vehicle, as they are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Properly inflated tires are important for several reasons. They can help improve fuel efficiency, provide better handling and braking, and extend tire life.
There are several standards that are used to ensure that tires are properly inflated. The most common standard is the “psi,” which stands for “pounds per square inch.” This is a measure of the air pressure inside the tire. Each tire will have a recommended range of inflation pressure, which can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.
It is important to check the tire pressure regularly, as underinflated or overinflated tires can cause problems. Underinflated tires can cause poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and can lead to tire blowout. Overinflated tires can cause harsh driving and can lead to uneven tire wear.
In summary, proper tire inflation is important for the safety and performance of your vehicle. It is recommended to check the tire pressure at least once a month and before a long trip.
Important note
Light weight vehicle such as cars should have at least a tread depth of 1.6mm across the Around the entire circumference of the tire.
large and passengers carrying vehicles including motorcycles
It should have a tread depth of at least 1 mm around the entire circumference of the tire.
*Note, some flaws in the vehicle you are driving can be attractive to penalty strikes
Law CUR reg 32
If you experience a tire blowout while driving, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:
Gradually slow down and try to move to the side of the road if possible. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Once you have pulled over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Find the spare tire and jack, and carefully follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to change the tire. If you are not comfortable changing the tire yourself, or do not have a spare, call a tow truck or roadside assistance service for assistance.
After the tire has been changed, carefully drive to the nearest tire repair or service center to have the tire inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary.
It is important to always be prepared for a tire blowout by carrying a spare tire, jack, and other tools in your vehicle, and by regularly checking the condition of your tires.
Spacesaver (also known as a “donut”) tires are meant to be used as a temporary replacement for a damaged or flat tire. they are smaller and lighter than regular tires, and are not meant to be driven on for an extended period of time.
spacesaver tires should only be used in the following situations:
If you have a flat tire and do not have a spare tire, or if your spare tire is also damaged
If you need to drive a short distance (less than 50 miles) to get to a tire repair or service center
Spacesaver tires are not meant for high-speed driving, and should not be used as a permanent replacement for a regular tire. They also do not provide the same level of handling and traction as a regular tire, so it is important to drive cautiously and avoid sudden movements or hard braking when using a space saver tire.
If you need to replace a damaged or worn tire, it is recommended to use a regular tire that is the same size and type as the other tires on your vehicle. This will help ensure that your vehicle handles and performs correctly.
There are many things you can do to improve the security and safety of your vehicle. Here are a few suggestions:
Lock your doors and close the windows when you leave your vehicle, even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes. This will make it more difficult for someone to break into your vehicle or steal it.
Use a steering wheel lock or a brake pedal lock to deter thieves.
Keep valuable items out of sight or in the trunk, where they are less likely to be noticed by potential thieves.
Park in well-lit areas and in places where there is a lot of foot traffic.
Consider installing a car alarm or a tracking device to deter thieves and help recover your vehicle if it is stolen.
Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers do well. This can help protect you in the event of a collision.
Avoid using your phone while driving, as this can be a distraction and increase the risk of accidents.
Stay alert and avoid driving while you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Regularly check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and other systems to ensure they are in good working order.
Follow all traffic laws and drive defensively to reduce the risk of accidents.
Put an alarm or immobilizer in place for extra security.
It is a good idea to check the level of security built into your car when buying a new one.
Consider having your registration number etched on all the windows of your car to discourage professional thieves.