What Should Be Checked Before Driving on the Highway?
2 Answers
Checks to be performed before driving on the highway: 1. Vehicle exterior inspection, observe whether the vehicle's lights and various signal lights are working properly. On the highway, lights are crucial as they serve as a means of communication between vehicles on the road; 2. Five-fluid safety check, the five fluids refer to engine oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and fuel; 3. Four-pressure safety check, the four pressures refer to oil pressure, voltage, tire pressure, and air pressure; 4. Brake system inspection, when it is found that the thickness is close to or less than the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, it should be replaced immediately. While checking the brake pads, also inspect the wear of the brake discs or brake drums. If indentations appear on the contact surface, they should be resurfaced or turned to ensure the contact area with the brake pads and improve braking force.
Every time before I hit the highway, I do a thorough inspection since I'm young with limited driving experience and always worry about breakdowns. First, I check the tire pressure to ensure it's within the normal range – too low can cause blowouts, rapid wear, and affect handling safety. Then, I check the engine oil level by opening the hood, pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, and checking again. If it's below the minimum mark, I top it up immediately to prevent engine overheating and damage. I also take a quick look at the coolant and brake fluid levels – if the bottles are transparent and I can't see the color or the fluid is low, I add some. Lighting checks are crucial too, making sure headlights, taillights, and turn signals are working properly, especially for night driving. I press the brake pedal a few times to feel if it's too soft or hard – any abnormality means it's time for maintenance, as braking is critical for safety. I confirm that the spare tire, jack, and tool kit are all in place to avoid being stranded without tools in case of a flat. I also pack an emergency kit, warning triangle, and make sure my phone is fully charged, just in case. These checks don't take much time but give me peace of mind on the highway, preventing breakdowns and travel delays.
