Your first car gives you freedom, but is your ride roadworthy?

Is your car roadworthy? How to ensure it's safe for you and others on the road

Owning your first car is exciting. No more asking for lifts, waiting for rides, or planning your life around someone else's schedule. But driving also means taking responsibility for your safety and that of others. The most important starting point? Making sure your car is roadworthy and your tyres are in good condition - not just when you buy or sell it, but every time.

Why a roadworthy vehicle is so important

Apart from being a legal requirement, knowing that your car is safe to be on the road gives you peace of mind. After all, life is stressful enough, right? Usually, you must get a legal roadworthy certificate when you buy or sell a vehicle.

However, getting that piece of paper shouldn't be seen as a once-off. It also means you need to keep your vehicle in good condition so that it remains safe to drive. If your car is not roadworthy, your insurance claim could be rejected

Here's how to keep your vehicle in good condition:

Don't ignore warning lights or weird sounds

The warning lights on your dashboard are there for a reason. Get issues checked early before they lead to serious damage. Pro tip: Every now and then, turn down the tunes so you can hear what your car is telling you.

Don't skip services

Depending on mileage, book yearly maintenance with a reputable dealer. Services typically include oil changes, tyre rotations, filter checks, spark plug inspections or replacements, brake pad checks, and more. A stamped service book also helps retain resale value.

Be nice to your car

Washing and waxing your car, cleaning the engine yearly, and parking undercover can prevent rust and corrosion. This protects both performance and safety.

Get an Annual MultiPoint check

If you're a Discovery Insure client with Vitality Drive, head to your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre or to the Discovery Drive Centre for an Annual MultiPoint check to check your vehicle's roadworthiness.

Specialists will assess your vehicle's steering wheel, headlights, hooter, tyres, indicators, shocks, windscreen wipers and seatbelts. If you have a motorcycle, the assessment will also look at the overall condition of your bike and cross-check for any missing parts

Pass the Annual MultiPoint check and you'll boost your fuel rewards and earn 300 Vitality Drive points. Read more about the assessment, fuel rewards and points you can earn.

Top tyre tips

Your tyres are the only point of contact with the road and are critical to safe driving. Tyre damage can also affect your insurance claims. For example, under Discovery Insure's exclusions, tyre damage caused by braking, punctures, cuts or bursts is not covered. So make sure your tyres are in top shape!

Check tyre pressure monthly: Go to a petrol station to get your tyres checked. For the correct pressure, refer to your car manual or the label inside the door or fuel cap. Do it when the tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.

Regularly check the condition of your tyres: If you see signs of damage, smooth patches, or cracks, don't put off replacing them.

Align your wheels every 10,000 km: Wonky wheels significantly reduce your tyres' lifespan because the tread wears out unevenly. If you hear any strange sounds, the steering seems to veer to one side when driving, or your car vibrates, have the balance of the tyres and the wheel alignment checked.

Check tread depth: If your tyre is worn out, your vehicle may lose traction and skid when the road is wet. A new tyre has 8 to 9 mm of tread depth. Once it wears down to the top of the wear bars (raised bumps printed on your tyre), you know it's time to change them. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm for normal tyres, but it's recommended that you change tyres when the tread is less than 3 mm.

Check for external and internal damage after a big impact: Potholes or bumps can cause internal tyre damage even if the outside looks fine. If you're in doubt, let a professional take a look.

Don't forget your spare: Make sure it's in the boot, fully inflated, and accompanied by a jack, wheel spanner and hazard triangle.

How to change a tyre

It's not something most people learn at school, but knowing how to change a tyre can save you from being stranded.

1. Pull over somewhere safe and flat. Turn on your hazards and pop up the triangle.
2. For a manual vehicle, engage first or reverse gear. For an automatic vehicle, shift to park.
3. Put heavy objects behind tyres to stop them from rolling.
4. Position the jack on your car's metal frame and raise it slightly.
5. Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts (but don't take them off yet).
6. Raise the car higher with the jack, then fully remove the nuts and tyre.
7. Fit the spare and hand-tighten the nuts.
8. Lower the vehicle, then tighten the nuts completely and remove the jack.

Your car isn't just a set of wheels - it's your independence, convenience, and responsibility. Regular checks and good habits can help you stay safe and keep your ride roadworthy for years to come.