Don’t take any risks with car maintenance during the Covid-19 pandemic

GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to ensure they keep cars in a safe, roadworthy condition during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Although the Transport Secretary issued an automatic six-month extension to any MoT certificates due from 30 March, it remains our responsibility to keep our cars in a roadworthy condition.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth commented: “Now more than ever it is important to get into the habit of carrying out regular basic checks on fluid levels and tyre pressures to make sure your car is in good shape.

“You must ensure your tyres have at least the minimum amount of tread left, as police will still be fining drivers (with penalty points) who fail to comply.”

GEM’s collection of short ‘How to…’ videos will help inexperienced car owners conduct basic maintenance on their vehicle. This includes MoT checks, tyre pressure and tread, oil and screenwash levels.

Tyre repair centres are remaining open where possible, while mobile tyre fitting services continue to operate.

 

GEM is also reminding drivers that they should only be leaving home for essential travel, which includes:

• travelling to and from work if you cannot work at home
• shopping for necessary items
• medical needs, such as caring for a vulnerable person

“Car servicing is not a valid reason for leaving the house,” added Neil Worth. “If your car is due a service then it will have to wait. But there’s no need to be concerned, as timescales are seldom strict with car service intervals, so waiting a few more weeks is unlikely to be a problem.”