What Needs to Be Checked Before Driving?
3 Answers
Before driving, you should check the coolant level, fuel level, and crankcase oil level. Inspect the appearance and tire pressure of the tires and spare tire. Check whether the horn, lights, wipers, rearview mirrors, license plate, etc., are all in place. Examine the connection and tightness of the service brake, parking brake, and braking devices. The details are as follows: 1. Inspection Items: Specifically, first, check if the three certificates are complete; then, see if the onboard tools are fully equipped; next, check if the tire pressure is normal; whether the fuel and oil are sufficient; if the radiator water level meets the requirements; if the battery liquid level meets the standard; finally, press the brake pedal to check if the braking performance is good; whether the clutch is fully disengaged; and manually shift the gear lever to check if the transmission is in neutral. 2. Good Vehicle Condition: A good vehicle condition is the fundamental guarantee for safe driving. To maintain a good vehicle condition and ensure safe driving, in addition to daily maintenance, a comprehensive, detailed, and strict inspection of the entire vehicle should be conducted before each trip, especially for long-distance driving. This is a good habit to ensure safe driving.
Before every drive, I walk around the car to check if the tires are in good condition and if the tire pressure is sufficient. Although tires may seem small, driving on the highway with a leak or a nail puncture can be extremely dangerous. Then, I start the engine to check the dashboard for any warning lights like the oil pressure light, coolant temperature light, and especially the brake failure light. My neighbor once almost rear-ended someone because they didn't notice their brake fluid was leaking. Windshield wipers and washer fluid are also crucial—sudden rain can make it deadly if you can't see clearly. Don't forget to check the car lights; headlights, turn signals, and brake lights must all be working. Driving at night without lights is like driving with your eyes closed. Finally, adjust the seat to a comfortable position, align the rearview mirror correctly, and fasten the seatbelt. These checks take at most five minutes but can prevent a lot of trouble.
I think pre-drive checks are as important as checking the mirror before going out. First squat down to inspect the tires for bulges or abnormal wear - sometimes pebbles stuck in the tread can affect traction. After starting the engine, observe the dashboard carefully, especially checking if the fuel gauge shows enough range to reach your destination. You don't want to panic when running out of gas midway. In hot weather, I pay extra attention to the coolant level since older cars are prone to overheating. The spare tire and onboard tools also need regular inspection - I once had a flat tire on the highway only to find the jack was rusted and jammed. When reversing, always check for obstacles behind the vehicle - kids suddenly running out is all too common in residential areas. Once it becomes a habit, it won't feel troublesome at all.
