Car Safety Checklist – Part 1
Jason Barker • December 1, 2023
There are many things you should check on a regular basis to ensure your vehicle remains safe and road-worthy.
Fuel
- You never know when you might end up in a situation where your journey is taking longer than you anticipated, possibly due to poor weather conditions, traffic jams, or other unexpected events. We recommend always having more fuel than necessary for your intended journey.
Tyres
- Check that tyre pressure matches the manufacturer specifications. This can usually be found in the driver’s handbook.
- Check that tyre tread meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. At CARS, we recommend a minimum tread of 3mm.
- Inspect the tyres for signs of wear, cuts and foreign objects.
Brakes
- The problem with brakes is that they become less effective over time and this isn’t always noticeable. As a result, you should regularly test the brakes for responsiveness. If they are taking too long to react or feel different, have them inspected.
- Your brake pads and discs will be inspected for wear at your regular service. If they are worn, they may require replacement.
Lighting
- Ensure your headlights are clean to maintain safe visibility.
- Ensure all exterior lights are working (including headlights, brake lights, fog lights, indicators, etc).
Screen Wash & Other Fluids
- In more modern vehicles, you may be alerted to low screen wash levels via a signal on your dashboard. In older vehicles, you can check the screen wash levels in the tank under the bonnet. Always ensure you have a healthy level of screen wash in your vehicle in preparation for dirt, bugs or extreme weather.
- You should also ensure you have appropriate levels of coolant and brake fluid prior to embarking on a long journey. Advice on how to check in your specific vehicle and the required fluid types for your make and model can usually be found in your manual or handbook. If you are unsure, we advise taking your vehicle to a local garage or repair centre.
Documentation
- We recommend carrying legal documentation within your vehicle for ease of access. This includes your driving license, insurance information and any other required permits.
Cleanliness
- We advise keeping your vehicle clean to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring. This includes (but is not limited to) windscreens, brake lights, indicators and registration plates.
Emergency Equipment
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Blanket
- Reflective Triangle
- Water
- Spare Tyre (where possible)
The majority of these components will be checked by a skilled technician at your regular service. If you have any concerns about the safety or performance of your vehicle, you should take your vehicle to a local repair centre.
We’re incredibly proud to announce that CARS of Grimsby has been shortlisted in three categories at the Greener Bodyshop Awards 2026
CARS of Grimsby now offers quality used cars and vans for sale, backed by years of trusted vehicle repair experience and customer care.
Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we pride ourselves on the service received by our customers. Each vehicle we sell meets our quality standards; each customer journey is seamless and stress-free.
Most people buying a used car look at the mileage, service history and overall condition. We look much deeper. Years of repairing accident damaged vehicles has trained our eyes to spot things that many people would never notice. Subtle differences in paint finish, panel gaps, replacement panels, poor welding or signs of previous structural repairs can all reveal a vehicle's past, even when that damage has never appeared on an insurance database or history check.
When you work with vehicles every day, you quickly learn what separates a great used car from a poor one.
For many years, CARS of Grimsby has supported motorists with trusted accident repair and vehicle care services. As a family owned and run business, we have always believed that great service comes down to doing the job to the best of our ability, communicating honestly and treating every customer as an individual. Those values have helped us build strong relationships with motorists, insurers and businesses, and they remain just as important to us today. Now, we are preparing to begin an exciting new chapter. Decades of Accident Repair Experience in Grimsby CARS of Grimsby is best known as an established and multi-award-winning accident repair centre, helping customers get back on the road following everything from minor bumps to more significant damage. That work has given our team a detailed and thorough understanding of vehicles and their condition. When you spend years repairing bodywork, checking panel alignment and assessing previous damage, you learn to notice the details that may not always be obvious at first glance. You also learn how important quality, safety and honesty are to motorists. Our team has developed this knowledge through experience, ongoing training and working with a wide range of vehicles over many years. It is experience we are proud of, and it will remain at the heart of the next chapter of CARS of Grimsby.
Had an accident and not sure what happens next? You’re not alone.
At CARS of Grimsby, our friendly team are on hand to offer honest advice and guidance throughout the insurance claims process. We’ll help you understand your options, and explain what you do (and don’t) have to do after an accident.
In May, the team attended the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The CARS team was awarded the Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award.
CARS of Grimsby celebrates three Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards nominations, recognising leadership, business growth and employee success in 2025.
Learn what to do if your car has scratches or dents, when SMART repairs are suitable, and how CARS restores cosmetic damage safely and professionally.
