Driving Tips for Safe and Smooth Rides

Ever wonder why a simple drive sometimes feels like a roller‑coaster? Most of the time it’s not the road – it’s what’s under the car. A few easy checks can stop bad surprises and keep your ride comfortable.

Check Your Suspension and Brakes

First, give the suspension a once‑over. If you hear clunking after hitting a pothole, or the car leans heavily when you turn, the suspension is probably worn. A bent suspension can make steering feel loose and wear out other parts fast. Look for uneven tyre wear, a sagging ride height, or a feeling of “wiggle” at low speeds – those are the warning signs.

While you’re at it, glance at the rear brake pads. Changing only the front pads is common, but the rear pads share the stopping job. If they’re too thin, the car can pull to one side when you brake. A quick visual check of the pad thickness (about 3 mm or more is good) saves you from costly repairs later.

When you notice any of these signs, book a professional inspection. Fixing a bent suspension or replacing worn brake pads early stops further damage and keeps your MOT green.

Mind Your Clutch and Engine

Next up, the clutch. Driving with a slipping or burnt‑smelling clutch might feel okay for a few miles, but you’re risking a sudden loss of power. If you hear a grinding noise when shifting or notice the engine revs rise without the car speeding up, it’s time to act. A burning smell is a clear sign the clutch plates are overheating – give them a few extra hundred miles at most before replacing.

Spark plugs also play a big part in how smooth the engine runs. Bad plugs cause rough idling, sluggish acceleration and can even stall the engine. Look for misfires, a drop in fuel efficiency, or a hard start. Replacing them every 30‑40 k miles keeps the engine breathing easy.

Finally, keep the air filter clean. A clogged filter forces the engine to work harder, lowering fuel economy and performance. If you’ve upgraded to a premium filter, check it every 12 000 miles; a cheap filter might need change sooner.

Putting these quick checks into a regular routine means fewer trips to the workshop and more confidence on the road. If anything feels off, swing by Northwich Tyres Centre – we’ll sort suspension, brakes, clutch or any other issue so you can drive happy.