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Car Maintenance

How Often Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure? | Maintaining Safe Driving

Regular tyre maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. One of the most important aspects of tyre maintenance is monitoring and adjusting tyre pressure regularly. In this blog, we’ll explore how often you should check your tyre pressure to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

Why is Checking Tyre Pressure Important?

Tyres play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient driving. They provide traction, stability, and control, especially during sudden stops or turns. If your tyres are over or under inflated, it can impact your vehicle’s performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. Check out how to improve your fuel efficiency here.

Overinflated tyres have less contact with the road, making them prone to skidding and sliding, especially on wet surfaces. On the other hand, under inflated tyres can wear out more quickly, making them more susceptible to punctures, blowouts, and accidents.

How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?

Experts recommend checking tyre pressure at least once a month or before embarking on a long trip. You should also check tyre pressure if you notice any unusual vibration, noise, or handling issues while driving.

If your vehicle has a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), it will alert you when the pressure drops below the recommended level. However, relying solely on the TPMS is not enough, as it can only detect major pressure changes and not subtle variations.

How to Check Tyre Pressure

Checking tyre pressure is a quick and easy process that you can do at home or at a service station. Here’s how:

  1. Look for the recommended tyre pressure in your vehicle owner’s manual, on the door jamb, or in the glove box.
  2. Use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure of each tyre. Press the gauge firmly against the valve stem and hold it steady until you hear a hissing sound.
  3. Compare the reading with the recommended pressure. If it’s too low, inflate the tyre with a tyre pump or air compressor. If it’s too high, release some air by pressing the pin inside the valve stem with a small tool.
  4. Repeat the process for all tyres, including the spare tyre.
tyre pressure gauge
Close-Up Of Hand holding pressure gauge for car tyre pressure measurement

Checking tyre pressure regularly is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that can save you time, money, and potentially, your life. By following the recommended guidelines and checking tyre pressure once a month, you can ensure that your tyres are in optimal condition, providing you with a safe and smooth driving experience. So, take the time to check your tyre pressure regularly and drive with confidence!

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Car Tips/Hacks

What is hydroplaning? | What factors increase the risk and how to avoid

Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, is a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when a vehicle’s tyres lose contact with the road due to a thin layer of water between the tyres and the pavement. This layer of water creates a barrier between the tyres and the road, reducing friction and making it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Hydroplaning can occur on any wet surface, but it is most common on highways, especially during heavy rain.

How Does Hydroplaning Occur?

Hydroplaning occurs when the water on the road is deeper than the tread depth of the tyres. As the vehicle moves forward, the water is forced into the grooves of the tyre tread. At a certain speed, the water pressure in the grooves exceeds the pressure of the tyre on the road, causing the tyre to lift off the road surface and ride on a cushion of water. This loss of traction makes it difficult for the driver to steer, brake or accelerate, and increases the risk of a serious accident.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Hydroplaning:

Several factors increase the risk, including:

  • Speed: Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 miles per hour, but the risk increases as the speed increases. As the speed increases, it becomes more difficult for the tyres to channel water away from the tread, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.
  • Tyre Tread Depth: Tyres with shallow treads are more likely to hydroplane. As the tread wears down, the tyre’s ability to channel water away from the tread decreases, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
  • Tyre Inflation: Under-inflated tyres have a larger contact area with the road, which increases the risk of hydroplaning. Properly inflated tyres provide better traction on wet roads and reduce the risk of it happening.
  • Road Conditions: It is more likely to occur on roads with standing water, especially on roads with poor drainage. The risk also increases on roads with a high crown or on curved roads.
aquaplaning What Is Hydroplaning

How to Avoid Hydroplaning:

To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, drivers should:

  • Slow down: Reducing speed in wet conditions can help prevent hydroplaning. Slow down and drive at a safe speed that allows for adequate stopping distance.
  • Maintain tyre pressure: Properly inflated tyres can help prevent hydroplaning. Check the pressure regularly and ensure that tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure.
  • Replace worn tyres: Tyres with shallow treads are more likely to hydroplane. Replace when the tread depth reaches less than 2-3mm. Never go below the legal limit of 1.6mm
  • Avoid standing water: Try to avoid driving through standing water, especially if it is deeper than the tread depth of your tyres.
  • Steer and brake carefully: If you begin to hydroplane, do not panic. Gently steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. Harshly braking can cause the vehicle to skid.

Hydroplaning is a serious safety issue that can occur on any wet road surface. Drivers should be aware of the factors that increase the risk of hydroplaning and take steps to reduce the risk. Slowing down, maintaining tire pressure, and replacing worn tires can help prevent hydroplaning and keep drivers and passengers safe on wet roads.

Categories
Car Maintenance

How to top up your screenwash

An essential part of car maintenance is the windshield wiper system, which helps to keep the windshield clean. A key component of the wiper system is the screenwash, which needs to be refilled periodically.

Step 1: Locate the Screenwash Reservoir

The first step is to locate the screenwash reservoir, which is usually located under the hood of the car. The reservoir is typically made of translucent plastic with a blue cap on top. The cap may have a symbol of a windshield wiper or could simply say “screenwash.”

How to top up your Screenwash

Step 2: Check the Reservoir Level

Before adding screenwash, check the reservoir level. This can be done by looking at the side of the reservoir, as the translucecnt plastic allows you to see the liquid level. Alternatively, you can use a dipstick. If the level is low, it is time to refill.

Step 3: Purchase the Right Kind

There are different types of screenwash available, including summer and winter formulations. It is important to select the right one for your car and the weather conditions in your area. For instance, the winter kind contains antifreeze to prevent it from freezing in cold temperatures.

Step 4: Add the Screenwash

Once you have the right screenwash, it is time to add it to the reservoir. Remove the cap and pour it into the reservoir until it reaches the maximum level. It is essential not to overfill the reservoir, as this can cause leaks and damage the wiper system.

How to top up your Screenwash

Step 5: Close the Cap and Test

After adding the screenwash, ensure that the cap is tightly closed. This will prevent leaks. Then, test the wiper system by turning your car on and spraying the screen. If everything is working correctly, the windshield should be clean, and the wipers should work smoothly.

If you’ve added screenwash to your car but it still isn’t working, there could be a blockage or your fuse may have blown. To get this checked, use our app to book a car service and save up to 40% off all repairs.

How to top up your Screenwash

Refilling the water in your car is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. By following these steps, you can ensure that your windshield wiper system works correctly and keeps you safe on the road. Regular maintenance of your car is essential to keep it in good condition and to extend its life.

To read more useful car maintenance blogs, visit our blog page here.

Categories
Car News

UK Government Bans Smart Motorway Construction | What This Means For Drivers

On the 15th April 2023, the UK Government announced that all smart motorway construction was to be discontinued.

In recent years, the United Kingdom has been investing heavily in the construction of “smart motorways,” a type of roadway that uses technology to monitor traffic flow and improve safety. However, the safety of these motorways has come under scrutiny, leading to a ban on their construction.

The controversy surrounding smart motorways began in 2015 when the first section of the M1 near Sheffield was converted to a smart motorway. These motorways were designed to ease congestion by using technology to monitor and manage traffic flow. However, the safety of smart motorways has been called into question, particularly in the wake of several high-profile accidents.

How do smart motorways work?

Smart motorways work by converting the hard shoulder into an extra lane during peak hours. In addition, they use technology such as sensors and cameras to monitor traffic and detect any accidents or incidents. If the system detects an incident, it reduces the speed limit and closes lanes to enable emergency services to access the scene.

However, critics have argued that these measures are not sufficient to ensure the safety of motorists. The removal of the hard shoulder has been extremely controversial. Many campaigners argue that it leaves drivers stranded in live lanes when vehicles break down.

The technology used has also been criticised for being unreliable, with some incidents not being detected fast enough. This has led to concerns about the safety of motorists, especially in the event of an accident or breakdown.

In response to these concerns, the UK government has announced a ban on the construction of smart motorways. They stated that they will only build them in exceptional circumstances where they deem them safe. Many road safety campaigners welcomed this decision, arguing that the top priority should be the safety of motorists.

What will happen to the smart motorways already in use?

In addition to the ban on construction, the government has also announced a review of smart motorways, which will examine their safety and make recommendations for improvements. This review will be led by the Department for Transport and is expected to be completed later this year.

Overall, the controversy surrounding smart motorways highlights the need to prioritise the safety of motorists on the UK’s roads. Although using technology to manage traffic flow is undoubtedly beneficial, it should not compromise driver safety. Banning the construction of smart motorways is a step in the right direction, and reviewing their safety presents an opportunity to ensure that they keep all road users as safe as possible.

To see more of the latest car news and car maintenance advice, read more of our blog posts here.

Categories
Car Insurance

How to win 1 year of FREE fully comprehensive car insurance

At Rooster we continue trying to find new ways to improve the car world for everyone. This is especially important for young people, who get car insurance quotes based on unfair factors. This month, we have decided to hold our biggest ever giveaway by offering the incredible prize of 1 year of free car insurance!

How to enter the giveaway:

Anyone who downloads our app and begins their test drive by Sunday 7th May 2023 will be entered into the competition for the chance to win a year of free fully comprehensive car insurance.

Click the click the button at the top of the page and sign up to start your test drive today!

When the winner will be drawn:

The winner will be drawn early June once everyone has completed their test drive. Extended test drives will still be included in the prize draw, providing the app is still installed.

How Rooster works:

We offer car insurance quotes based on how safe you drive, rather than factors such as your job like traditional insurers do. Our safest drivers are saving 40% compared to traditional insurers. Plus, as we do everything through your smartphone, we have no need for any black boxes!

Terms and conditions: Must be 19 or over to enter and a UK resident. Insurance available for UK cars only. Subject to Rooster’s standard terms.

We hope you enter our competition to win 1 year of free car insurance. Don’t forget to follow our Instagram account so you don’t miss the winner’s announcement. If you do, good luck!