Roadworthiness

Safety, checklist, DVD

SAFETY FIRST

Over the last couple of years, I have become increasingly concerned about the number of cars that have come to my workshop with defective brakes, worn steering joints and various other safety problems.  

This worrying trend might be a result of the ageing demographic of our members. Perhaps, as people get older, they are less willing or able to put on their overalls and carry out basic maintenance on their cars. It might be a result of people driving fewer miles and, incorrectly, thinking they can safely stretch the periods between services. Whatever the reason, I am seriously concerned that, unless we reverse this trend, more motorists could be involved in accidents, and that this, in turn, might persuade the authorities to restrict the use of vintage cars on our roads.

If you are unsure of the maintenance standards required to keep your car roadworthy, the VAR has published some helpful information. The Spares Service sells a ‘Maintenance Instructions’ manual that includes a section headed ‘Maintenance and Tuning’, which describes the tasks that should be carried out regularly. This is available on a memory stick or in book form. There is also the DVD entitled ‘The Heavy 12/4 Roadworthiness Check’ in which I demonstrate all of the necessary checks that should be carried out. In an effort to encourage all VAR members to perform regular safety checks, the VAR committee has made this available at half price.  This video guide can now be obtained from the spares service for only £8.25. 

I am a staunch advocate for maintaining our cars to the highest possible safety standards. I disagreed with the decision to exempt our cars from MoT tests in 2018, and I have my vehicles tested voluntarily every year at a local garage.  For the benefit of anyone who prefers not to have a formal test, but doesn’t feel able to do the work themselves, I have prepared a short list of the basic, but essential safety checks that ought to be carried out each year. This can be handed to a local garage or repair shop with a request that they carry out those checks on your car. Simply contact Steve Newton or me if you would like a free copy. In addition, a more comprehensive roadworthiness checklist is routinely sent out with every roadworthiness DVD or memory stick purchased from the VAR Spares Service.

If your car is involved in a serious accident, and it transpires that it wasn’t roadworthy, you lay yourself open to prosecution by the police, regardless of who caused the accident. You also risk your insurance company refusing to pay a claim if they discover you were driving an unsafe car at the time.

Spring is just around the corner, and most VAR members will be looking forward to taking their cars out onto the road in the coming months. Enjoy your summer of motoring, but do make sure your cars are safe.

        Tom Titterton

                                                      Vintage Austin Register Chief Engineer