Most drivers only think about their car when something goes wrong — and by then, a small problem has usually become an expensive one. These six quick checks take less than 30 minutes and could prevent a breakdown on the A690 or an unwanted MOT failure.
From busy commutes into Durham City to school runs around Chester-le-Street and weekend drives through Weardale, local drivers rely on their cars every single day. Roads across County Durham vary enormously — smooth dual carriageways one moment, potholed country lanes the next — and that variety puts real pressure on tyres, brakes, and everything in between. The good news is that staying on top of a few simple checks can make every journey around Durham smoother, safer, and far less stressful.
Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth
Under-inflated tyres are among the most common causes of poor fuel economy and reduced handling — and many drivers don’t realise there’s a problem until they’re already on the road. Check pressure when tyres are cold, using the figure on the sticker inside the driver’s door or in the vehicle handbook. For tread depth, the 20p coin test is a quick and reliable method: insert a coin into the groove, and if the outer band is visible, the tread is too shallow. In the UK, anything below 1.6mm is illegal.
Brake Condition
Squealing, grinding, or scraping sounds when slowing down are warning signs no driver should ignore. Automotive parts specialists at AUTODOC explain:
“Worn brake pads or damaged brake discs are usually the most common cause of squealing, grinding, or scraping noises when braking. Squealing typically means your brake pads have reached their wear indicators – small metal tabs designed to alert you when replacement is due.”
If any of those sounds are familiar on your daily Durham commute, it’s worth getting the brakes checked sooner rather than later.
Engine Oil Level
Low oil is one of the leading causes of serious engine damage — and one of the easiest things to catch early. Check the dipstick when the engine is cold and look for a level sitting between the minimum and maximum markers. If the oil looks dark and gritty rather than amber, a change is overdue. Most cars need fresh oil roughly every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, though this varies by make and model.
Battery Health
Cold North East winters are notoriously tough on car batteries. A slow start on a frosty morning is often the first sign that a battery is losing its capacity. Batteries typically last between three and five years, and many local garages across County Durham offer free testing — a simple step that’s well worth taking before the colder months set in.
Windscreen Wipers and Visibility
Smearing or streaking wipers reduce visibility quickly — particularly given the North East’s wet weather. AUTODOC advises that if you’re “seeing that the glass is cleaned improperly, inspect the wiper work surface to estimate their fit to the glass.” A blade that no longer sits flush against the screen won’t clear water effectively, regardless of its age. Replacing wiper blades once a year, ideally heading into autumn, is a small investment that makes a real difference.
Headlights and Exterior Lights
A quick walk around the car with the engine running takes under a minute and can flag a broken brake light or failed indicator before it becomes a problem on the road — or at the MOT. Replacement bulbs are inexpensive and straightforward to fit on most vehicles, and it’s a check that’s easy to overlook until it matters most.
Keeping on top of these six checks won’t just protect Durham drivers and their passengers — it helps vehicles hold their value, sail through the next MOT, and stay dependable through every season County Durham has to offer.
