Senior Driver Vehicle Safety Checklist
A few simple checks can help you notice small problems before they become inconvenient or unsafe. This guide is about the vehicle — keeping car maintenance easy to understand and straightforward to act on.
1Before you drive
A quick walk-around takes a minute or two and can catch the obvious things before you set off.
- Tyres look properly inflated
- No obvious tyre damage
- Windscreen is clear
- Mirrors are clean
- Lights appear intact
- Nothing is leaking underneath the vehicle
- No new warning lights are showing
2When you start the car
Notice how the car behaves as it starts and settles. You are looking for anything that is different from usual.
Noticing a change is often more useful than knowing the mechanical name for the problem. If something feels different, it is worth getting it looked at.
3Dashboard warning lights
A simple guide to the most common colours. Meanings vary by vehicle, so the owner's handbook is the reliable reference for your car.
Red
Generally means stop and investigate when it is safe to do so. A red light can relate to oil pressure, engine temperature, brakes or steering — worth taking seriously.
Amber
Usually means something needs checking. It may be safe to drive on gently, but the car should be looked at soon rather than ignored.
Green / Blue
Usually information about a system that is operating — such as headlights on or cruise control active. Generally not a warning.
Meanings vary by vehicle. Always check your owner's handbook for the specific warning lights on your car, and do not rely on this as a diagnosis.
4Battery and starting problems
Starting trouble is common and is often down to the battery or charging system. Signs to notice include:
- Slower cranking than usual
- A click instead of starting
- Lights appearing dim
- The vehicle struggling to start after being parked
A battery test can often be carried out where the vehicle is parked, so there is usually no need to move the car first to find out what is going on.
5Tyres
You can check the obvious things without any special equipment:
- Visible damage or cuts
- Low pressure or a flat-looking tyre
- Unusual wear on one side
- Objects embedded in the tread
- Frequent loss of pressure over a few days
Do not crawl under the vehicle or carry out unsafe inspections. If a tyre looks damaged or will not hold pressure, get it looked at rather than checking it yourself in a risky spot.
6Brakes
Any change in how the brakes feel or sound is worth getting checked. Signs that justify a closer look include:
- Grinding when braking
- Squealing that is new
- Pulling to one side
- A brake warning light on the dashboard
- An unusual pedal feel — soft, hard or low
Brake problems are not something to put off. If the pedal feels unusual or a brake warning light is on, arrange for the car to be checked before driving further.
7Fluids and leaks
A new or significant leak under the vehicle is worth noting. If you spot one, try to note:
- The approximate location under the car (front, middle or rear)
- The colour, if it is obvious
- Whether it appeared suddenly or has been building up
Do not touch unknown fluids. Some can be hot, irritating or harmful. Note what you can see and mention it when you ask for help.
8Preparing for an MOT
A few simple checks before the test can identify obvious issues beforehand:
- Lights (including indicators and brake lights)
- Tyres
- Windscreen
- Wipers
- Washer fluid
- Mirrors
- Number plates (clean and readable)
- Warning lights
These checks do not guarantee an MOT pass, but they can catch the straightforward things — like a blown bulb or empty washer bottle — before the test.
9When it may be easier to use a mobile mechanic
Sometimes getting to a garage is the hard part. A mobile mechanic may be useful when:
- The vehicle will not start
- You are unsure whether it is safe to drive
- A warning light needs investigating
- The battery needs testing
- Taking the vehicle to a garage is difficult
- A preliminary diagnosis would help decide next steps
Bay Motor Assist provides mobile mechanic visits across Torquay, Paignton and Torbay for suitable diagnostic and repair work — so the car can often be looked at where it is parked, rather than moved first.
10Keep these details somewhere easy to find
Jot these down and keep them in the car or with your documents — it saves time if you ever need help quickly.
- Vehicle make:
- Vehicle model:
- Registration:
- Fuel type:
- Breakdown provider:
- Insurance provider:
- Regular garage:
- Emergency contact:
This is simply a useful checklist to fill in yourself — nothing here is collected through the website.
Quick safety reminder
If a vehicle suddenly feels unsafe to drive, has a serious warning light, is overheating, has braking problems or is stranded in a dangerous location, the safest option may be to stop driving and seek appropriate assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Need a hand with the car?
Give us a call and talk us through what’s happened. We come to homes, workplaces and safe spots across Torquay and the wider Torbay area.
01803 262390