The vehicle's condition: tyres, brakes, visibility

The driver's responsibility

It is the driver who answers for the condition of the vehicle, not the mechanic or the owner. You may only drive if your car is in good working order and poses no danger to you, your passengers or other road users. A bald tyre, a faulty light or a brake that responds poorly can lead to a fine, and above all to an accident for which you will be held responsible.

Tyres: the only contact with the road

The tyres are the only contact surface between your car and the carriageway. Their condition determines braking, roadholding and grip, especially on a wet surface. Several requirements must be met at all times:

• Tread depth: the depth of the main grooves must be at least 1.6 mm across the entire tread surface. Below that, the tyre no longer clears water and the risk of aquaplaning increases sharply.
• Correct pressure: keep to the pressure specified by the manufacturer (often on a label in the door frame). Pressure that is too low or too high wears the tyre, increases fuel consumption and degrades roadholding.
• General condition: no bulge (swelling), cut, tear or embedded object. A damaged sidewall can burst at high speed.
• Identical tyres on each axle: on the same axle, both tyres must be of the same dimensions and the same type. You do not mix, for example, a summer tyre and a winter tyre on the same axle.

The brakes

The braking system must be in perfect working order. Watch for warning signs: a pedal that sinks too far or feels "spongy", a vehicle that pulls to one side when braking, metallic noises, vibrations or a brake warning light on the dashboard. The parking brake (handbrake) must also hold the car still, particularly on a slope. At the slightest doubt, have the brakes checked without delay.

Lights and signalling

See and be seen: all lights must work and be clean. Regularly check the dipped and main beam headlights, the position lights, the brake lights, the indicators, the hazard lights, the rear fog lights and the number-plate light. A blown bulb must be replaced quickly, and a headlight caked in mud gives poor light.

Your view of the road: windscreen, mirrors, wipers

Good visibility is essential for anticipating. Several elements contribute to it:

• Windscreen: it must be clean and not cracked within the driver's field of vision. A crack or chip in front of the driver's eyes obstructs the view and is grounds for failing the roadworthiness test.
• Mirrors: the interior and exterior mirrors must be present, clean and properly adjusted, to watch behind you and limit blind spots.
• Wipers and washer fluid: the wiper blades must clean properly, without leaving streaks; the washer-fluid reservoir must contain enough liquid to clear the windscreen.
• Windows and de-icing: in winter, de-ice and demist the windows completely before setting off. Driving with a partially frosted or fogged windscreen is dangerous.

The roadworthiness test

The roadworthiness test periodically checks the vehicle's condition (brakes, tyres, lights, steering, emissions, etc.). A private car must be presented according to the scheduled intervals, and at every resale between private individuals. But be careful: the roadworthiness test is a one-off examination. Between two tests, it is up to the driver to keep the vehicle in good condition. A valid certificate never exempts you from daily checks.