Drivers urged to make autumn car checks

Date: 14/10/2009

Motorists are being encouraged to make checks on their vehicles as autumn arrives to prevent breakdowns.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has suggested that the plenum chamber - or the tray-like area under a bonnet - needs to be checked for backed up leaves and batteries should be checked.

Plenum chambers are particularly important to keep clear, as if they are blocked it can lead to leaks which can hamper braking systems and electronics.

With batteries, the IAM suggests undertaking basic maintenance, such as keeping it clean and try and the terminals tight.

Other suggestions include ensuring that a car is stocked up with antifreeze or de-icer in preparation for frosty mornings.

Meanwhile, TyreSafe has discovered that drivers in East Anglia and the north-west of England are most likely to be involved in a tyre-related accident.

October is tyre safe month and drivers are being encouraged to check the depth of their tyre tread using a 20p piece.

If the coin is inserted into the groove and the outer band of the coin cannot be seen, then the tyre has adequate tread depth.