car care Archives | Maitland Motors

3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip

Chrissie Maitland — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:46:57 +0000

Tyre Checks you can do at home

As the school holidays creep closer and the good weather is here to stay (hopefully!), many of us are starting to plan family getaways, or day trips. But before you pile the kids and the bags into the car, there is one critical safety check you shouldn’t skip. Your tyres. Here are 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip.

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road. When you’re driving at highway speeds with a fully loaded vehicle, a neglected tyre can quickly turn a happy road trip into a roadside breakdown.

To keep your family safe and your holiday on track, here are 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip you can do right in your driveway.

What to look out for at home – 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip

The 20p Tread Depth Test. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving with worn tyres drastically reduces your grip, especially if you hit a sudden summer downpour on the motorway. At Home, take a 20p coin and place it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres are likely below the legal limit and need replacing immediately.
Check the Pressures (While Cold) Did you know that a car packed full of holiday luggage and passengers actually requires higher tyre pressure than your daily solo commute? Driving on under-inflated tyres causes them to overheat. Also, it increases your fuel consumption, and puts you at risk of a dangerous blowout. At Home, look up your car’s recommended tyre pressures. You can usually find this on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or in your manual. Make sure to check them before you set off while the tyres are still cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre in the boot too!
Inspect for Hidden Damage. Give each tyre a quick visual inspection. Look closely at the sidewalls for any unusual bulges, cuts, or cracks. If you’ve scraped a kerb recently, it’s easy to damage the internal structure of the tyre without realising it. A bulge in the sidewall means the tyre is structurally compromised and could fail at any moment.

Need a Second Opinion? Maitland Motors has You Covered.

If you are unsure about the state of your tyres, don’t leave it to chance. Book your vehicle with Ross and the team at Maitland Motors. We offer a completely Free Vehicle Health Check where we’ll inspect your tyres, brakes, and fluid levels to give you total peace of mind before you hit the road. Plus, if there is any unexpected work is needed, we offer Payment Assist to help you spread the cost interest-free. So, you can enjoy your trip with one less thing to worry about.

The post 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip appeared first on Maitland Motors.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe with a Free Vehicle Health Check

Chrissie Maitland — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:45:53 +0000

As drivers, we all want our vehicles to be as safe and reliable as possible, especially when we’re on the road with our loved ones. One great way to ensure your vehicle is in top shape is by taking advantage of a Free Vehicle Health Check.

What to Expect During a Free Vehicle Health Check

When you bring your vehicle in for a health check, we carry out a comprehensive safety inspection while your vehicle is on the ramp. Our trained technicians will visually assess several crucial areas, including:

Brakes: Ensuring your braking system functions effectively is vital for your safety.
Fluid Levels: We’ll check essential fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Tyres: We’ll inspect your tyres for tread depth and overall condition.
Horn: A functioning horn is important for communicating safely with other drivers.
Wipers and Washers: Proper visibility in all weather conditions is key to safe driving.
Seat Belts: We’ll confirm that all seat belts are in good working order.
Lights: All lights inc, headlights and taillights are checked to ensure visibility and safety.
Power Steering: Smooth steering is essential for driver control.
Battery: We’ll examine your battery to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Antifreeze and Cooling System: Proper levels prevent overheating.
Condition of the Exhaust: We’ll inspect your exhaust system is functioning properly.
Suspension: Good suspension is crucial for a smooth ride and handling.
Safety Components: We’ll check all safety features to ensure you’re well protected.

After the Check

Once all checks are complete, we’ll provide you with a detailed assessment of your vehicle’s condition. If we identify any areas that require attention, we’ll advise you accordingly. There’s no obligation to have any further work done. However, it’s always beneficial to be aware of any repairs that may need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Why It Matters

If your MOT is approaching or simply as part of regular maintenance, knowing the state of your vehicle can save you from unexpected issues down the road. Our goal is to keep your vehicle safe and legal, ensuring peace of mind while you drive. After all, many of us rely on our vehicles daily, often carrying friends and family as passengers. Ensuring your vehicle is in the best possible condition is essential for everyone’s safety on the road.

Get In Touch Today

Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem, take advantage of our Free Vehicle Health Check! Not only will you gain valuable insights into your vehicle’s condition, but you’ll also be proactively enhancing the safety of yourself and your passengers. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is a reliable vehicle.

We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy!

The post Keep Your Vehicle Safe with a Free Vehicle Health Check appeared first on Maitland Motors.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Book a Service for Your Vehicle

Chrissie Maitland — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:04:48 +0000

Maitland Motors – Booking A Service

Maintaining your vehicle is more than just a routine task; it’s essential for ensuring its longevity, performance, and safety. Here are the top five reasons why you should book a service for your vehicle and why it should be at the top of your to-do list:

1. Saves You Money

Regular servicing can help identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. By catching small problems early, you avoid the stress and expense of emergency repairs down the line. Think of it as an investment in your vehicle’s future.

2. Enhances Performance

Whether it’s an oil change, filter replacement, or topping up fluids, scheduled services ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. A well-maintained vehicle handles better, brakes more effectively, and offers optimal fuel efficiency.

3. Safety First

Your safety, and that of your passengers, is paramount. Regular servicing checks critical components such as brakes, lights, tyres, and steering systems. Ensuring that these parts are in good working order significantly reduces the risk of breakdowns and accidents, giving you peace of mind.

4. Boosts Resale Value

A well-documented service history is attractive to potential buyers. Regular maintenance not only keeps your vehicle in top condition but also enhances its resale value when the time comes to sell. Buyers are more inclined to purchase a vehicle that has been consistently maintained, knowing they’re making a sound investment.

5. Environmental Impact

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained can also have positive effects on the environment. A properly functioning engine emits fewer pollutants and consumes less fuel. By scheduling regular services, you can contribute to a cleaner environment while also enjoying better fuel economy.

Get in Touch Today To Book Your Service

Incorporating regular service into your vehicle’s yearly maintenance routine is crucial for long-term performance, safety, and value. Don’t wait for that warning light to come on; prioritise your vehicle’s health today. Remember, as the saying goes, “prevention is always better than cure.”! 🚗💖

Ready to give your vehicle the care it deserves? Schedule your service with here at Maitland Motors!

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