The PTI inspection represents only a moment in time and does not guarantee that your vehicle will remain safe to drive for the rest of the year and that no maintenance is required for a year. Regular inspections and maintenance of your vehicle are essential at all times. We have listed a few tips for you:
Choose quality tyres
The vehicle’s tyres are the most
important element when it comes to safety. They make contact with the road and
therefore mainly determine road holding, driving comfort and fuel consumption.
On the European label for new tyres, you will find fuel consumption, wet grip
and (outside) noise.
Change seasonal tyres on time or opt for all-season
tyres
Change summer and winter tyres at the
beginning of the season. This increases safety and helps the environment. Do
you opt for all-season tyres? Make sure they have the snowflake symbol on the
side. Tyres with this symbol are mandatory in a number of countries in winter.
Check tyre pressure every other month
Approximately 60% of all vehicles drive
with under-inflated tyres. The appropriate tyre pressure provides more grip and
a shorter braking distance. This reduces the risk of an accident while also
saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.
Regularly measure the depth of the tyre
tread
Tyres wear out. In doing so, they lose
tread depth. This reduces wet grip. This greatly increases the chances of your
vehicle skidding. The minimum required tread depth is 1.6 mm. Change your tyres
before that minimum is reached. Measure the depth yourself with a tread depth
gauge or have it done by a garage or tyre specialist.
Regularly check the windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer fluid
Good visibility is important for road
safety. Windscreen wipers wear out quickly. Replace them before they are
visibly worn out. Windscreen washer fluid is also important. Avoid running out.
Regularly check your lights
Properly functioning lighting is
indispensable. To see and to be seen! Front fog lights are switched on if
visibility is less than 200 metres, rear fog lights if visibility is less than
50 metres. Also check your reversing lights and brake lights regularly.