Do You Follow These 5 Pre-Trip Procedures?
The process of getting ready to drive starts before you even get into your car. Regardless of how good a driver you may be, you need a vehicle that is in good condition. When was the last time you did a thorough vehicle inspection? When you’re in a hurry, do you take time to check your surroundings? These actions are important because they help ensure you are a safe driver in a safe vehicle- two key components to keeping the roads free of hazards. Here are some things you should check outside the vehicle as part as your pre-trip procedure:
The surrounding area
Before you move your vehicle, make sure the surrounding area is clear. You may also find obstructions like trash cans, shopping carts, etc.
Tire condition and pressure
You need tires that are in good condition so that you can brake and steer properly. It can be very dangerous to drive with tires that are not properly inflated or overly worn. Tire pressure is also greatly affected by temperature as air pressure is reduced when temperatures decrease.
Excessive fluid leaks
There are various fluids that could leak from your vehicle indicating that something is wrong. Some leaks may be minor issues, while others may cause the vehicle to be unsafe to drive. The first sign of trouble is usually drips or stains under your vehicle after it has been parked overnight. Even if there is a small amount of leakage, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
Damage to windows/glass
Not only is it illegal to drive a vehicle that has damaged glass, but it can affect your ability to scan the road while driving . If the crack is less than 12 inches long, or if the chip is smaller than a quarter, the damage can typically be repaired without having to replace your windshield.
Windshield wipers
Under the hood of your vehicle is a plastic container that contains the fluid for
your windshield wipers. Make sure the container is filled with the appropriate windshield washer solution in case of rain or snow. If your wipers have been making a mess of your windshield, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Now that you’ve checked everything on the outside of the car, you’ll need to do a few checks inside as well. Check out another one of our recent blog posts: Making the Proper Adjustments Inside the Vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What should you check before driving your car?
A pre-trip inspection takes only a minute or two and helps catch problems before they become hazards on the road. Walk around your vehicle and look at five things: the area around the car for obstructions like trash cans, kids' toys, or shopping carts; tire condition and inflation; any fluid leaks or stains under the vehicle; cracks or chips in the windshield or windows; and the wiper blades and washer fluid level. Inside the cabin, adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel before you put the car in gear.
Why does cold weather affect my tire pressure?
Air contracts as temperatures drop, so the same tires that read at the correct pressure on a warm afternoon can be noticeably underinflated on a cold morning. As a general rule, tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature. Underinflated tires reduce braking performance, hurt steering response, increase tire wear, and lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month, especially after a sharp temperature change, and inflate to the PSI listed on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the maximum number printed on the tire sidewall.
Can I drive with a cracked windshield?
Driving with a damaged windshield is illegal in most states and can interfere with your ability to scan the road safely. A crack shorter than 12 inches or a chip smaller than a quarter can usually be repaired without replacing the entire windshield, but larger damage typically requires a full replacement. Cracks tend to spread quickly when temperatures swing or when the glass flexes over bumps. Get any damage looked at by an auto glass professional as soon as you notice it, before it grows into a costly replacement or impairs your view.
What does it mean if I see fluid leaking under my car?
Fluid drips or stains under a parked car are usually the first sign of trouble. The color of the leak gives you a clue: clear is often water from the air conditioner and is harmless, amber or dark brown is engine oil, red is transmission or power steering fluid, green or orange is coolant, and a clear-to-yellow puddle by the front tires can be brake fluid. Any leak that is not plain water should be checked by a mechanic. Some leaks are minor seal issues, but others, such as a brake fluid leak, make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
When should I replace my windshield wipers?
Replace your wiper blades any time they leave streaks, skip across the glass, chatter, or fail to clear water cleanly in a single pass. Most blades last six to twelve months depending on sun exposure and use. Pair fresh blades with topped-off washer fluid in the reservoir under the hood. In winter, switch to a fluid rated for freezing temperatures so it does not turn to slush on your windshield. Worn wipers in a sudden downpour or snow squall are a common cause of crashes that could have been avoided with a five dollar repair.
How long does a pre-trip inspection take?
A complete pre-trip walk-around takes about two minutes once you build the habit. Top Driver instructors teach students to do it every time they get into the car, not just before long trips. Start at the driver's door, walk around the front, check each tire, scan for leaks and obstructions, and finish at the trunk. Then climb in, adjust the mirrors and seat, check fluid and warning lights on the dash, and buckle up before shifting out of park. Two minutes of inspection beats two hours waiting for roadside assistance.
