5:56 am, November 17, 2008
SMC of Sittingbourne is offering motorists a free 30-point vehicle safety check.
All motorists have to do is donate to the Kent-based Demelza Hospice Care for Children charity. Do so before the end of the year, and the £14.99 safety look-through is theirs.
But the MG, Mitsubishi and Ford dealer group is helping the charity, now in its 10th year, in another way, too. There are ‘clown’ collection boxes on all SMC’s service reception desks, waiting to be filled with £1 coins. And provide vital help to the charity, which supports 450 families.
SMC service manager Mick Austin is only too pleased to help. Particularly as it’s performing a good job for safety, too.
What’s more, so strongly does he feel motorists should prepare fully for the winter, he’s even put together a ‘car care code’. Which, we’re sure, he’d be only too happy for your car dealer to use, too…
W – for wipers, washers and windows. Replace worn wiper blades, keep the washer bottle topped-up with screen-wash, and clean the windows and lights regularly.
I – for insurance. Regularly checking the fluid levels, tyres, lights and so on will give you peace of mind for winter journeys.
N – for necessities. Vital self-help items such as a shovel, old rubber mat or carpet (for kneeling on), battery jump leads, spare fan belt, bulbs, gloves, warm clothes… and chocolate, for emergencies.
T – for tyres. These get neglected, and should be in good condition, to keep you out of trouble. Check for a minimum depth of 1.6mm.
E – for engine health. This is crucial. Check that there is sufficient anti-freeze in the cooling system, or, if in doubt, get it replaced. Cold winter mornings are death to ageing batteries, and if the oil looks dirty, now’s the time to change that, too.
R – for rust. This thrives in damp, wintry conditions, and salty slush eats away at the underbody, and the vehicle’s exhaust system. Hose down the bodywork regularly, particularly under the wheelarches.
