With finer weather just around the corner, you're likely to be considering taking to the road on your bike, which has been securely tucked away over the winter months.

However, it would be wise to ensure that your machine is in pristine condition before venturing forth and everyone knows that prevention is better than cure, so here are some easy springtime tips to make sure your bike gets you to your destination without any problems…

First check your tyre pressures against those in the handbook and examine them for cuts and wear. Your tyres are the only contact you have with the road surface, so make sure they are in the best of condition and at the recommended pressure.

Check all fluid levels, especially the radiator if your bike has one, as summer temperatures increase the risk of overheating.

Check your engine oil properly - a low oil level may cause overheating, excessive engine wear or even engine seizure.

Make sure all the moving joints are well lubricated.

Check your bike's battery. One of the most common causes of breakdown is battery failure - drained from leaving the lights on, as we all do from time to time - or simply dead. Many recovery patrols now carry new batteries for sale so that they can solve the problem on the spot. Sluggish starting is a sure sign that your bike's battery is getting old. As soon as starting becomes slow, it's time to think about buying a new battery.

And finally, make sure your bike's legal with up-to-date MOT, tax and insurance. Now that you are ready to take to the road again ensure that you stay safe. Even aspects of riding as basic as using the accelerator could stand review. The accelerator is a key factor which affects tyre grip, among other things. Its two main functions - acceleration and deceleration - are critical to every aspect of your riding. Yet, excessive speed and violent acceleration are the most common causes of skidding and the inevitable resultant accident.

By developing a sensitive touch on the throttle, you will enable your bike to be better balanced in all situations especially on the open road. Choosing the correct gear, too, is important - many people are guilty of riding in too high a gear, which not only labours the engine and pushes up fuel consumption, but also can reduce the bike's response when you accelerate or decelerate.

And finally, stay safe on the roads by observing speed limits and road signs. Nothing irritates motorists more than riders taking advantage of their two wheels and queue jumping a line of cars by riding down the wrong side of the road. In traffic jams this is an even more dangerous practice, which many riders execute on a daily basis. Cars coming in the opposite direction have little chance to avoid a deadly collision. So, do yourself and other road users a favour by sticking to the rules and staying alive.