What Should Be Checked Before Driving on the Highway?

[OOlive]

Before driving on the highway, the following items should be checked: 1. Tires: Carefully inspect the appearance of each tire for any scratches. If it's just a rubber scratch, it won't affect usage, but if the inner tire cords are damaged, the tire must be replaced. Thoroughly check the consistency of all four tires. Drive on a flat road without holding the steering wheel to see if the car moves straight; otherwise, get a wheel alignment immediately. 2. Engine Oil: Park the car on a flat surface. After the engine cools down, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick and must not exceed this range. 3. Coolant: Coolant prevents the freezing and expansion of the liquid in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise cause the radiator and engine cylinders to crack. Coolant should be used year-round. 4. Lights: This includes driving lights, reverse lights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lights, fog lights, etc., especially fog lights. If there are any issues, they should be replaced immediately. 5. Brakes: Check the thickness of the brake pads. If they seem too thin (less than 2mm), they need to be replaced. Drive at normal speed and test the brakes for any abnormalities. Park the car on a slope to see if the handbrake is effective.

[GabrielMarie]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I always check tire pressure and tread wear before hitting the highway. High speeds increase the risk of a blowout—last week I noticed the front tires were slightly underinflated and promptly topped them up, averting a potential accident. I also test the brake sensitivity; brake fluid levels must be adequate, as even a drop short could lead to loss of control. Headlights and turn signals must be functional—safety comes first, especially at night. Fluids are critical too: engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid should be checked against the marked levels, as high-speed driving puts heavy load on the engine, risking overheating. I keep a small toolkit in my car, including a jack and wrench, to handle minor issues in minutes. Wipers must work well—sudden heavy rain with poor visibility is extremely dangerous. Remember, on the highway, no detail is trivial. These routine checks ensure a smooth, safe, and hassle-free journey.

[SophieRose]

Every time I take my kids on the highway, I first check if the child seat is securely installed—safety is no small matter. I test the air conditioning system to see whether cool or warm air is more comfortable, as being stuck in traffic without AC is miserable for the whole family. I confirm the headlights and turn signals are working properly, making it easier for others to notice us on the road for added peace of mind. The windows and door locks operate smoothly, so even if the kids fiddle with them, there won’t be any issues. I check the tire pressure—highway driving wears them out faster, so addressing it early extends their lifespan. I also make a habit of driving around the neighborhood before departure to listen for any strange noises, fixing any issues promptly. A quick glance at the battery ensures the connections are tight for a smooth start. Regularly cleaning the AC filter keeps the air fresh and prevents motion sickness. These small steps make family trips comfortable and worry-free.

[MacCatherine]

When taking a smart car on the highway, I focus on checking the driving assistance systems. Clean the cameras and radar to prevent dirt from disabling the adaptive cruise control. Calibrate the sensors to ensure accurate blind spot monitoring and lane keeping. Update the software promptly for precise navigation routes that save time. Adjust the headlight brightness properly for safe nighttime visibility. Test the brake system with electronic functions to ensure responsiveness. Clean the air conditioning filter for fresh air during long drives. This tech maintenance makes highway driving easier and more efficient.