You should do a walk round check of your vehicle daily. Usually this is done before you move off with your vehicle. Any defects should be rectified before you leave.

Any engine fitted with a turbo should be allowed to idle for at least a minute before switching the engine off. This is so that the bearings do not get starved of oil.

Let the engine idle for about a minute, this will stop the bearings from being starved of oil.

The kick down facility on an automatic gearbox allows it to gain rapid acceleration, i.e. to enable you to pass another vehicle. To do this you press the accelerator to the floor.

If your brake pedal becomes ‘hard’, find a safe place to stop and telephone for assistance. You should not continue your journey with brakes that may be faulty.

This can be transmitted round the braking system and may cause ice to build up in the valves and pipes. Draining them reduces the chances of build-up.

You should never attempt to drive a vehicle with an air leak in the braking system. Report it immediately.

Buzzers are usually linked to the air systems on modern vehicles. If you see a warning light or hear a buzzer noise then you must stop your vehicle in a safe place and get the problem identified. You should never drive a vehicle with a fault.

The legal limit is three-quarters of width across the tyre. Never let the tyres get any lower than this. The tyres contribute to the overall stability of the vehicle.

Keeping spare bulbs for your vehicle will enable you to change them if they stop working.

The fuel companies will usually add the anti-waxing additive to the fuel through the winter months to stop it becoming less effective.

You should never drive a vehicle with defect lights; it is a legal requirement to have all lights in working order, even when you are not using them.

If the system check is not built into the ignition switch you may have to do this manually by operating a separate ‘check’ switch.

As you are driving over a longer period of time and generally at faster speeds, there is more of a chance the tyres overheating and disintegrating. When you make a stop check your tyres.

You should never drive a vehicle with a defect tyre. Get it replaced before setting of on your journey.

Most vehicles fitted with a diesel engine will have a pre-heating device fitted. Only start the vehicle when the indicator light goes out.

This high-pressure fuel injector delivers fuel straight into the cylinders of the engine. Most diesel engines have this system and it is known as a direct injection engine.

Having too much oil or too little, can cause just as much damage. Overfilling the oil can cause too much pressure and damage the seals by it leaking through.

Adding approved coolant solution will prevent the engine from freezing, it also contains a corrosion inhibitor which prolongs the life of the cooling system.

When a new tubeless tyre is fitted it is good practice to replace the valve. Garages and tyre services should know the regulations.