The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged motorists to carry out routine safety checks on their vehicles to avoid faults that might lead in some cases to traffic accidents.
The Director of Traffic Department, RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, Hussain Al Banna, stressed the importance of conducting regular checks of vehicles by the RTA upon the renewal of vehicle registration, however this would not exempt motorists from their responsibilities for carrying out frequent and routine safety checks throughout the year, particularly during long-distance road travels.
He added that the “Road Travellers Guide” leaflet distributed by the RTA as part of its awareness campaign, which continues through the end of August, contained a lot of important information to help motorists check their vehicles and what to do in the event of vehicle breakdown.
He stressed that simple routine maintenance might prevent vehicle breakdown on highways, reduce fuel consumption and avert engine faults.
“The driver has to check the functionality of several systems and instruments of the vehicle to avoid sudden faults. It is recommended to visit the auto dealer or the workshop which the driver frequently visits to ensure the travel-worthiness of the vehicle,” said Al Banna.
He continued: “The checklist mainly includes tyres, brakes, oil levels, radiator liquid level, air-conditioner, battery, electrical cables, front and rear lights and oil leakage at the vehicle’s undercarriage”.
“Some checks do not necessarily require visiting technical workshops but can be carried out by the driver himself such as the tire air pressure and engine oil level, provided these checks have to be carried out before the vehicle moves out and have its temperature escalated,” said Al Banna.
He alerted motorists not to top-up the brake oil when found on low level before checking the brake pads and other components of the vehicle’s brake system, while exercising every care upon refilling the brake oil to avoid spilling on the outer body of the vehicle and consequently damage the vehicle’s paint.
Al Banna also alerted motorists to avoid driving at the tail of trucks laden with sand, brick, gravel, barrels or long-size steel or wooden material as such objects might fall at any moment, triggering dangerous crashes.
He urged motorists to frequently move around their vehicles and have a general look on the body and tyres to ensure there are no leaks of water or oils before opening the door and starting off their vehicles.