Tips for a safe vehicle
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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.
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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.
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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.