SAFETY CHECKS DURING LOCK DOWN
Whilst in lockdown NZTA & the government have agreed to temporarily extend:
- WoFs and CoFs, driver licences that expired on or after 1 January 2020.
Dates on how long this extension will stand for are still unknown. So please remember that drivers and vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring vehicle compliance if driving on the road.
It is still a requirement that vehicles must be safe to operate on a public road. At a minimum, vehicle owners need to self-inspect their vehicles using the TWIRL procedure (tyres, windscreen, wipers, mirrors, indicators, rust and lights) to assess their vehicle’s safety.
If your vehicle is unsafe, either don’t drive it or arrange for a WoF or CoF.
TWIRL
Safety checks during lock down.
Tyres
- Check the tread depth. Minimum legal depth is 1.5mm, but the more tread you have the better the grip and the safer you’ll be.
- Check the tyre pressure – correct levels can usually be found on the inside door frame.
- Look for cracks or bubbles in the sides.
- Look for sharp objects stuck in the tyres.
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
- Check your wiper blades for wear and tear.
- Clean your mirrors and windscreen inside and out.
- Get your windscreen fixed if it’s chipped or cracked.
- Check your windscreen washer fluid is full and the spray is working.
Indicators
- Turn your hazard lights on and walk around the car – check all indicators are flashing.
Rust
- Look for obvious areas of corrosion that can weaken the car’s structure.
Lights
- Check lenses are clean and not cracked or hazy.
- Check your headlights, reversing lights and brake lights are working. Check your back lights by reversing close to a wall so you can see the reflection in your rear view mirror.
Things you can check when driving
These things can be serious, so make sure you take your car to an expert if you notice them or anything else unusual.
Brakes
You could have a problem with your brakes if:
-
- the brake pedal feels spongy
- there’s a squealing noise when braking
- the steering pulls to one side when you brake
- there are vibrations or pulsing through the brake pedal when braking.
Exhaust
If it’s smoky or sounding unusual, it could be a sign that there’s a problem.
Suspension and steering
You could have a problem with shock absorbers, which directly affect steering if:
- the steering wheel shakes a lot after you hit a bump or pothole
- your car seems unstable on rough or unsealed roads
- your car continues to rock after coming to a standstill.
Noises
Listen for unusual noises, they usually indicate something is wrong.
We are open for business so happy to perform your WOF. Give us a call TODAY to book!
https://www.balmoralautorepairs.co.nz/vehicle-services/wof/