Well summer is virtually over, a wash out again it seems!
It is time now for people to start thinking about getting the car checked over in preparation for the autumn and winter seasons.
Like ourselves, cars and their mechanical components need a bit of TLC periodically to ensure they operate at optimum efficiency.
Let’s face it, with the weather at the moment being so unpredictable, you never know when bad weather conditions are going to strike and there is nothing worse than a car failing to start or simply breaking down in bad weather.
So, book your car in and get those critical components checked out. Ensure you have sufficient antifreeze, they tyres are up to scratch, your engine is tuned to optimise performance and fuel economy. Don’t forget to get battery levels, hoses and brake pipes checked as well.
Garages, car dealers and businesses in general are suffering just like the rest of us in this current economic climate and you never know, they may well be open to negotiation and offer you a great deal if you get in quick.
Remember, if planning to take your car overseas during the autumn/winter months, ensure you keep up to date with the driving requirements for the countries you will be in. Each country has it’s own rules and regulations.
For example, on 1 July 2008, a law came into force in France making it compulsory to carry a reflective jacket (EN471) and a warning triangle (ECE R27). However, this regulation will not be enforceable with on-the-spot fines until 1st October 2008, when the fine will be between 90 and 135 Euros.
Be warned however, there have been reports that this legislation is being enforced now, and motorists receiving on the spot fines already for not carrying these reflective jackets.
It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have one of these jackets in your car in the UK either – just in case!