In order to keep everyone safe on the roads this winter, Cleveland Fire Brigade along with the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership is offering motorists a free drive-thru vehicle safety check.
The drop-in session will take place at Coulby Newham Community Fire Station on Saturday 9 December (10am to 3pm) which will include checks on tyres, lights, wipers, fluid levels and washer bottles – and you can also pick-up a free ice-scraper and screen wash top up.
Last year’s winter check event at Coulby Newham identified that half of vehicles had one or more defects that required action, with varying issues from incorrect trye pressure to perished tyres or the vehicle was simply in need of coolant top up. Failing to properly maintain vehicles could put motorists at risk, especially in the treacherous winter conditions where there is likely to be ice and snow on the roads.
Andrew Bright, Road Safety Co-ordinator, said: “We are urging drivers to come along to our winter vehicle check event to make sure their vehicles are fully prepared for the cold winter ahead. Prepare it, check it, don’t wreck it. These checks are a quick and easy way to make sure your vehicle is road ready, topped up and ready to go. A broken-down vehicle on the road can put not only you but others at risk.
Along with checking vehicles we also ask drivers to listen out for weather forecasts and travel updates before setting off. If the conditions are a bit tricky then consider delaying non-essential journeys until the roads are clearer or have been treated. If you do have to travel, make sure you have cleared windscreens and mirrors and give yourself extra time, keep your distance and keep your speed down.
Don’t forget to keep a winter kit on board. This should include an ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and boots. Sunglasses can also be very handy as low winter sun can block out visibility.” Added Andrew Bright.
Roads Policing Sergeant Mark Kewley, from Cleveland Police, said: “It is really important all year round to keep your vehicles in check and ensure they’re road worthy for your safety and the safety of other road users. When weather conditions worsen, it becomes even more important to keep checking things like tyres, lights and oil levels and to keep supplies in your vehicle such as de-icer, scrapers and warm clothes and blankets, in case your vehicle breaks down.
“As a member of the Road Safety Partnership Cleveland Police encourage drivers to come along to Coulby Newham this weekend, where free vehicle checks are being carried out. It doesn’t take long and could be vitally important.”
The Brigade is a member of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership and has teamed up with Kwik-Fit and Middlesbrough College to carry out the checks.
If you are unable to come along on Saturday and have concerns, remember most reputable garages offer a free winter check to help keep you safe on the road.
