How to make sure your car is ready to drive

Whether you're going on a short trip to a nearby town or heading out on a long summer road trip, inspecting your car before you hit the road is a great way to make sure you get to your destination safely without the inconvenience of an accident.

While it is not possible to check every vehicle system before takeoff, you can check the major systems to ensure there are no fluid leaks, proper tire inflation, headlights, and warning lights.

Here are just a few things you should check before you get behind the wheel of a car.

Method 1 of 2: inspection for everyday driving

Most of us aren't going to do all of these checks every time we get behind the wheel of a car, but regular quick checks and more thorough checks at least once a week will help make sure your car is in top condition. safe and maintenance free.

Step 1. Check out the neighborhood. Walk around the vehicle, looking for any obstacles or objects that could damage the vehicle if you reverse or drive over them. Skateboards, bicycles and other toys, for example, can cause serious damage to a vehicle if it is run over.

Step 2: Look for fluids. Look under the car to make sure there are no fluid leaks. If you find a leak under your vehicle, locate it before driving.

• Attention: Fluid leaks can be as simple as water from an air conditioning condenser, or more serious leaks such as oil, brake fluid, or transmission fluid.

Step 3: Inspect the tires. Inspect tires for uneven wear, nails or other punctures and check air pressure in all tires.

Step 4: Repair tires. If the tires appear to be damaged, have a specialist check and repair or replace if necessary.

• Functions: tires should be changed every 5,000 miles; this will prolong their life and keep them in good working order.

• Attention: If the tires are under-inflated, adjust the air pressure to the correct pressure indicated on the tire sidewalls or in the owner's manual.

Step 5: Inspect the Lights and Signals. Visually inspect all headlights, taillights and turn signals.

If they are dirty, cracked or broken, they need to be cleaned or repaired. Extremely dirty headlights can reduce the effectiveness of the light beam on the road, making driving dangerous.

Step 6: Check the Lights and Signals. Headlights, taillights and brake lights should be checked and repaired if necessary.

If possible, have someone stand in front and then behind the car to make sure the headlights are working properly.

Turn on both turn signals, high and low beams, and engage reverse to make sure the reverse lights also work.

Step 7: Check the windows. Inspect the windshield, side and rear windows. Make sure they are clear of debris and clean.

A dirty window can reduce visibility, making driving dangerous.

Step 8: Check Your Mirrors. It's also important to inspect your mirrors to make sure they're clean and properly adjusted so you can fully see your surroundings while driving.

Step 9: Inspect the interior of the car. Before entering, look inside the car. Make sure the back seat is free and no one is hiding anywhere in the car.

Step 10: Check the Signal Lights. Start the car and make sure the warning lights are off. Common warning lights are the low battery indicator, oil indicator, and check engine indicator.

If any of these warning lights remain on after the initial start of the engine, you should have the vehicle checked.

• Attention: Watch the engine temperature gauge while the engine is warming up to make sure it stays within the acceptable temperature range. If it moves to the "hot" part of the sensor, it could indicate a problem with the cooling system, meaning the car should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Step 11: Check Interior Systems. Check the air conditioning, heating and defrosting systems before you set off. A properly functioning system will ensure cab comfort, as well as defrosting and window cleaning.

Step 12: Check Fluid Levels. Once a month, check the level of all essential fluids in your vehicle. Check engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid levels. Top up any fluids that are low.

• AttentionA: If any systems are regularly losing fluid, you should have that particular system checked.

Method 2 of 2: Prepare for a Long Trip

If you are loading your vehicle for a long trip, you should conduct a thorough vehicle inspection before driving onto the highway. Consider having a professional mechanic inspect the car, but if you choose to do it yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Step 1: Check Fluid Levels: Before a long trip, check the level of all fluids. Check the following fluids:

• Brake fluid
• Coolant
• Machine oil
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Wiper fluid

If the level of all fluids is low, they must be topped up. If you do not know how to check these fluid levels, refer to the instruction manual or call an AvtoTachki specialist to your home or office for a check.

Step 2: Inspect the seat belts. Check all seat belts in the car. Visually inspect and test them to make sure they are working.

A faulty seat belt can be very dangerous for you and your passengers.

Step 3: Check the battery charge. Nothing ruins a trip like a car that won't start.

Check the battery in the car to make sure it has a good charge, the terminals are clean, and the cables are securely attached to the terminals. If the battery is old or weak, it should be replaced before a long trip.

• Functions: If the terminals are dirty, clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Step 4: Inspect all tires. Tires are especially important on a long trip, so it's essential to have them checked before you leave.

• Look for any tears or bulges on the sidewall of the tire, check the tread depth and make sure the tire pressure is in the proper range by referring to the owner's manual.

• Functions: Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter of the tread upside down. If the top of George Washington's head is visible, the tires should be replaced.

Step 5: Inspect the windshield wipers.. Visually inspect the windshield wipers and check their operation.

Step 6: Evaluate the washer system. Make sure the windshield washer system is working properly and check the fluid level in the wiper reservoir.

Step 7: Prepare your first aid kit. Gather a first aid kit that can come in handy for scratches, cuts, and even headaches.

Make sure you have items such as band-aids, bandages, antibacterial cream, pain and motion sickness medication, and epi-pens if someone has a severe allergy.

Step 8: Prepare the GPS. Set up your GPS if you have one and consider buying one if you don't. Getting lost while on vacation is frustrating and can result in the loss of a precious vacation. Enter all the places you plan to visit in advance so that they are programmed and ready to go.

Step 8: Check Your Spare Tire. Don't forget to check the spare wheel, it will come in handy in case of a breakdown.

The spare tire must be inflated to the proper pressure, usually 60 psi, and in excellent condition.

Step 9: Check Your Tools. Make sure the jack works and you have a wrench, because you will need it in case of a flat tire.

• Functions: Having a flashlight in the trunk is a good idea, it can help a lot at night. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh.

Step 10: Replace Air and Cabin Filters. If you haven't changed your air and cabin filters in a long time, think about it.

The cabin filter will improve the air quality in the cabin, while the fresh air filter will prevent harmful debris, dust or dirt from entering the engine.

• AttentionA: Although changing the cabin air filter is not too difficult, one of our professional certified mobile mechanics will be happy to come to your home or office to change the air filter.

Step 11: Make sure your documents are in order. Make sure all vehicle documents are in order and in the vehicle.

If you are stopped on vacation, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Have this in your car in an easily accessible place:

• Driver's license
• User's Guide
• Proof of car insurance
• Roadside assistance phone
• Registration of vehicles
• Warranty information

Step 12: Pack Your Car Carefully. Long trips usually require a lot of luggage and extra gear. Check your vehicle's load capacity to make sure your load is within the recommended limits.

• A warningA: Rooftop cargo boxes should be reserved for lighter items. Heavy top weights can make it difficult to steer the vehicle in an emergency and actually increase the chance of a rollover in the event of an accident.

• AttentionA: A heavy load will reduce fuel efficiency, so be sure to calculate your travel budget.

Inspecting your vehicle before you set off will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey. Remember to do a quick inspection of your car every day while on vacation before you get back on the road, and be sure to keep an eye on your fluid levels, especially if you drive long distances daily. AvtoTachki professionals will inspect and fix any problems you encounter, whether on the road or in everyday life, and give detailed advice on how to properly maintain your vehicle.