What preparations should be made before driving?
2 Answers
Before driving, the following preparations should be made: carefully inspect the surroundings of the vehicle to check for any obstacles under or around the car. After getting in, close the door properly, adjust the seat, fasten the seat belt, start the vehicle, check if all systems are functioning normally, and adjust the rearview mirrors. Preparations for rainy or snowy weather inside the car: 1. Keep a dry towel and some newspapers in the car: During rainy or snowy weather, the outside temperature can be very cold. Since the interior of the car is warm, the warm air exhaled by passengers can condense on the cold windows, forming fog. Turn on the air conditioning to the cooling mode and direct it towards the windows to quickly defog them. If the air conditioning is not working, use the dry towel or newspaper to wipe the windows. 2. Turn on the rear window defroster when there is ice: If the rear window is frozen, turn on the rear window defroster as needed. If the vehicle has this function, it can be activated simultaneously. The rear window defroster should not be used for extended periods; turn it off immediately once the ice has melted. 3. Install snow chains during rainy or snowy weather: Snow chains can be installed in rainy or snowy conditions for temporary traction. They are generally available at auto parts stores at an affordable price.
Before every drive, I always perform a safety check to feel at ease. I test the brakes by pressing them a couple of times to ensure they're working properly. I check all the lights—headlights, turn signals, and brake lights—to make sure they're functioning. I measure the tire pressure because if it's too low, it might cause a blowout, and if it's too high, it saves fuel but makes the ride uncomfortable. I clean the windshield for clear visibility and top up the washer fluid. I fasten my seatbelt and double-check both front and rear. These small actions might only take a few minutes, but they can prevent accidents on the road, especially in bad weather. Don’t forget to keep your vehicle documents and first aid kit ready—safety first!