What is something you should check before driving?

A crucial check before driving is to ensure your vehicle's essential fluid levels are adequate, alongside other vital components, to ensure smooth operation and safety on the road.

Prioritizing Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks

Before embarking on any journey, whether short or long, conducting a few quick checks can significantly enhance your safety and prevent unexpected breakdowns. These routine inspections help ensure your vehicle is in optimal working condition.

Essential Fluid Levels

One of the most fundamental checks involves verifying the levels of key fluids that enable your vehicle to function correctly. Keeping these topped off is vital for the longevity and performance of your car. Regularly checking and topping off these six essential fluids is paramount for ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and reliably:

• Oil: Essential for lubricating engine components and preventing friction, which can lead to wear and tear.
• Radiator (Coolant): Prevents the engine from overheating in warm weather and freezing in cold conditions.
• Brake Fluid: Critical for the effective operation of your braking system, ensuring you can stop safely.
• Power Steering Fluid: Ensures smooth and easy steering, making your vehicle more maneuverable.
• Transmission Fluid: Lubricates and cools the transmission, facilitating seamless gear changes.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Necessary for maintaining clear visibility through your windshield, especially in challenging weather conditions or when dirt obstructs your view.

Tire Condition and Pressure

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle touching the road, making their condition critical for safety and performance.

• Tire Pressure: Check against the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch), usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual. Proper inflation improves handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
• Tread Depth: Ensure sufficient tread for grip, especially in wet conditions. You can use the "penny test" (insert a penny head-first into a tread groove; if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is too low) as a simple indicator.
• Visible Damage: Inspect for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects that could lead to a blowout.

Lights and Signals

Proper functioning lights and signals are crucial for visibility and communication with other drivers, especially at night or in adverse weather.

• Headlights: Check both high and low beams.
• Tail Lights: Ensure they illuminate when your lights are on.
• Brake Lights: Have someone stand behind your car as you press the brake pedal to verify they light up.
• Turn Signals: Verify all four (front and rear) are flashing correctly.
• Hazard Lights: Test these for emergency situations.

Driver's Visibility and Controls

Before moving, ensure you have a clear view and that essential controls are accessible and functional.

• Mirrors: Adjust your rear-view and side mirrors to eliminate blind spots and provide a comprehensive view of your surroundings.
• Windshield and Wipers: Ensure your windshield is clean and your wipers are functional, especially before driving in inclement weather.
• Dashboard Warning Lights: Briefly observe your dashboard when you turn the ignition to ensure no critical warning lights remain illuminated after the initial system check.

A Quick Pre-Drive Checklist

For easy reference, here's a table summarizing key checks to perform:

The Benefits of Regular Checks

Performing these simple checks before driving not only contributes to your immediate safety but also helps identify minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs. It promotes a safer driving experience for everyone on the road. For more detailed maintenance tips, resources like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offer comprehensive guidance on vehicle care.