Safety check

A safety check is a focused inspection of the components that are critical for road safety: brakes, steering, suspension, tyres and lights. It is not the same as the legally required main vehicle inspection (HU/AU) and does not replace it – it is an extra check for your peace of mind.

It is ideal before a long trip, before winter, or if you notice unusual behaviour (e.g. pulling to one side, vibrations, noises when braking, warning lights). We go through the safety-relevant parts systematically and tell you what is in order and what, if anything, needs attention. You then decide whether and when to have repairs done.

We check the following areas in a structured way:

• Braking system: Brake pads and discs (front and rear), brake fluid level and condition, brake lines and hoses. We look for wear, leaks and uneven wear. If we have a roller brake tester, we can also check brake performance.
• Steering and suspension: Steering linkage, ball joints, tie rods; shock absorbers, springs and bushings. We check for play, leaks and damage that could affect handling and safety.
• Tyres and wheels: Tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm legally), condition (cuts, bulges, age), pressure and wheel fixings. We advise if a tyre is no longer safe or legal.
• Lights and visibility: Headlights (dipped and main beam), indicators, brake lights, rear and number-plate lights, fog lights. We check that all lights work and, if you wish, we can check headlight aim on our test bench.

We report our findings clearly and recommend repairs only where necessary. You are not obliged to have the work done with us – you decide how to proceed.

• Vehicle – no need to bring registration documents or ID for a safety check.
• Description of concerns: If you have specific symptoms (e.g. pulling to one side, vibration at speed, noise when braking, warning light), please describe them when you book or on arrival so we can pay special attention to those areas.

Duration: A safety check usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If we find defects, we will explain them and give you a quote for repairs; you can then book a separate appointment for the work.

Costs: We charge a fixed fee for the safety check. Any repairs are quoted separately and are only carried out with your approval.

Tip: A safety check shortly before your next HU/AU can help you avoid surprises: we find and fix defects in advance so that on the day of the test you only need to pass.