Your safety begins with your vehicle. Regular checks of your vehicle or bike will help keep you safe when you’re out delivering, and may help prevent any costly repairs.
Take a minute to watch go through the handy checklists to ensure your vehicle is kept in shape and ready for deliveries.
Cars
If you’re using a car to make your deliveries we recommend you do a regular safety check – ideally every time you use it – to maintain a safe and working vehicle. It might help to remember the checks to do by the ‘POWDER’ acronym.
Things to check:
PETROL (or diesel)
Make sure you’re topped-up with enough fuel for the day
OIL
Check your engine oil level and top it up if it is too low
WATER
Fill up your coolant and screen-wash
DAMAGE
Give your vehicle the once over. Check for defects such as cracks in the windscreen. Look underneath to make sure nothing is leaking.
ELECTRICS
Make sure your lights and indicators are working properly. Check your vehicle’s battery is working as it should. If your vehicle takes longer to start, you might have a battery issue.
RUBBER
Check your tyre pressures and tread depth. This is a legal requirement and is especially important during wet or icy weather. Make sure there are no tears or splits in the sidewalls
These routine safety checks can save your car from unnecessary damage and wear, and will help you to maintain a safe and working vehicle.
It is also very important to service your motor vehicle at the manufacturer’s specified time or mileage intervals (whichever comes first). Leaving too much time or driving too many miles between services can compromise your vehicle’s safety. Long-term, this may cause significant damage and premature wear which could in turn lead to an accident.
See your car’s manual for further details on service intervals for the specific model you are driving.
Motorcycles and scooters
If you’re using a motorcycle or scooter to make your deliveries it is essential to check that everything’s working as it should before you set out.
- Brakes. Check that they are working well and not binding or sticking.
- Clutch and throttle. Ensure they are working smoothly and properly.
- Cables. Should be lubricated at regular intervals to work at their best. If not maintained correctly the cables may fray or snap.
- Tyre pressures. Check they are correct and that the treads are not worn or damaged. This is especially important in wet or icy conditions.
- Chain. Make sure it is lubricated and adjusted correctly. A poorly maintained chain can cause wear and tear to other parts of the bike which may be costly to replace or repair.
- Lights, indicators and horn. These should always be kept in good working order
- Mirrors. Check they are clean and properly adjusted
- Fuel and oil. Ensure that oil levels are sufficient and that you have enough fuel for the day.
Bikes and e-bikes
A few quick checks before you set off will help you stay safe. One widely used method of making all the necessary pre-run checks on your bike is the ‘M-Check method’. This is a visual reminder of the five points to cover.
- Front wheel and tyres
Check the front wheel is tightly fitted, and the quick release level is secure and in the correct position. The spokes should be tight and tension consistent, and your tyre should be inflated to the correct pressure and have good grip.
- Handlebars and brakes
Ensure your brakes are firm, responsive and hold without slipping, squealing or binding. Check both brakes in turn, by applying the brake and pushing your bike forwards, then backwards. Your handlebars should be level and firm, not loose in the clamp.
- Frame, pedals and chain
Ensure your chain is correctly in place and is lubricated. If the chain is
covered with grease or grime, use an old toothbrush to give it a clean and remember to re-oil it once it is clean. Your pedals should move and spin smoothly without creaking, and your frame should be free of any cracks or damage.
- Saddle
Check your saddle is at the correct height and that the seat post hasn’t moved at all or exceeded the marked limit. Use an allen key to adjust if needed.
- Back wheel and tyre
Check the rear wheel is tightly fitted, and the quick release level is secure and in the correct position. The spokes should be tight and tension consistent, and your tyre should be inflated to the correct pressure and have good grip.
By keeping your bike clean and lubricated, you’ll extend its life and avoid some more expensive problems and repairs later on.
Lubricate your bike when it’s dry. If you oil parts when they are wet it can prevent the oil from sticking to the parts properly. Avoid getting oil on the brakes and wheel rims or discs. If there’s oil on these, they will not work effectively and will make the bike dangerous to ride.
Remember to wash your hands after carrying out any maintenance on your bike. If you are unsure about any repairs, or how to do them, seek the advice of a qualified mechanic at your local bike shop.
Important. It is against the law to ride a bicycle without two effective brakes, one operating on the front wheel and one operating on the back wheel, both independent from each other. You should never use a fixed wheel bicycle, or ‘fixie’, without a second brake for the front wheel being fitted. It is also a requirement to have front and rear lights, and reflectors, so make sure these are fully functional before you set off.
