What is a Ballast in terms of light fittings?

The ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides enough voltage to start the lamps in a fluorescent lighting system.

What are encaustic tiles?

Encaustic tiles are ceramic tiles which have a pattern on the surface. That pattern is not a product of glaze but of different colours of clay.

The Radiator Key

Radiator keys are used to bleed radiators.

This process starts with first turning off your central heating. thus preventing more air from entering the system.  The key is inserted into a valve and carefully turned anticlockwise (usually a quarter or half turn). The trapped air will start to escape with a hissing sound. When water starts to dribble out the air has been purged.

A cloth or small bowl should be kept underneath the bleed valve to absorb any leaking water. Also protect your hand as any escaping water may be very hot.

Tighten back the valve once done (be careful as water leaving the radiator may be very hot).

Turn back on central heating, check radiator heats up and no more water is coming from the valve.

Tyre Tread Depth

Before checking tyre tread depth, ensure you are on a flat surface with ample distance from the kerbs, the car is switched off and secured with a parking brake.

Tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across at least 75% of the central width of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Tyre Pressures

Check your tyre pressures regularly, otherwise you may:

1. Decrease grip on the road (and make steering less precise)
2. Increase braking distance
3. Increase fuel consumption (by increasing rolling resistance)
4. Potentially reduce the lifespan of your tyres

Tyres should always be checked regularly and more so before long journeys.