What Are the Important Vehicle Checks Before Driving Off?

Globally, the allure of extensive road trips is evident, with an average yearly driving distance of 13,476 miles. Tires, subjected to the impact of potholes, aggressive driving, not ensuring important vehicle checks before driving off and the elements, undergo substantial wear and tear. Overlooking minor concerns like tire inflation can lead to unsafe conditions, contributing to approximately 11,000 annual crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Prioritising tire maintenance not only enhances important vehicle checks for safety and performance but also ensures optimal fuel efficiency. Given the challenges presented by roads worldwide, effective tire care becomes crucial, addressing factors that may compromise safety and increase fuel consumption.

Fluid Management:

Your important vehicle checks of your car’s engine consists of numerous moving components, and their proper functioning relies on effective lubrication. Fluids play a crucial role in this process. Engine oil, for instance, aids in cooling the engine’s components and preventing friction. Transmission fluid facilitates smooth gear shifts, and brake fluid ensures responsive braking.

Insufficient or contaminated fluids can result in various issues. When these fluids are at low levels or become dirty, it may lead to a range of problems, impacting the overall performance of your important vehicle checks. Proper maintenance, including cylinder head reconditioning, is essential to keep these vital fluids in optimal condition.

Illuminate and Signal:

While glass and mirrors are utilised for acquiring information, signals and lights serve the purpose of conveying information. Signalling should be employed judiciously, benefiting other road users and avoiding unnecessary clutter. Signals intended to communicate purpose should be understood as a declaration of rights.

Ensuring safety for yourself and fellow road users is paramount, as there are no inherent rights of way—only an obligation to yield to prevent accidents. It’s crucial to confirm signals, whether receiving or giving, through speed and position, demonstrating that they are deliberate and not erroneous.

Power Source Check:

Before initiating any checks, make sure to switch off and unplug the equipment. Verify that the plug is correctly wired, but only if you possess the necessary competence. Confirm that the fuse aligns with the equipment rating, as indicated on the rating plate or in the instruction book. Check the plug for any damage, ensuring the cable is securely in place with no internal wires exposed. If the electrical cable shows signs of damage or has been repaired with insulating tape or an unsuitable connector, it should be replaced by a competent individual.

Examine the outer cover of the equipment for damage that could pose electrical or mechanical hazards. Look for burn marks or staining, indicating potential overheating. Arrange trailing wires to prevent tripping hazards and minimise the risk of damage. If there are concerns about the equipment’s safety, halt its use and seek assistance from a competent person for a more comprehensive inspection.

Clear Vision:

Vision is an invaluable blessing that empowers us to carry out daily activities, including the essential task of driving. The thought of being unable to discern road signs or read a speedometer underscores the critical importance of clear vision, not only for personal safety but also for the well-being of fellow drivers and pedestrians. Before taking the wheel, reflect on these eye-opening statistics. Approximately 90% of the information crucial for safe driving is visual.

Despite the preventability or treatability of 80% of vision impairments, nearly 1 in 4 drivers grapple with unclear vision. Travelling at just 30 mph with uncorrected vision can add an extra 3 seconds to recognise and read road signs. Globally, road accidents claim an average of 3,700 lives daily. Fatal car accidents are 2 to 4 times more likely to occur at night. Drivers with unaddressed cataracts face a 2.5 times higher risk of being involved in an accident.

Under the hood:

Ensuring the optimal performance of your important vehicle checks involves a thorough inspection of critical components such as belts, hoses, filters, and the exhaust system. Belts play a pivotal role in the engine’s operation, driving various components. Regular examination ensures they are free from wear or damage. Hoses responsible for fluid circulation should be inspected for leaks or signs of deterioration, preventing potential engine overheating.

Filters, like air and fuel filters, contribute to the engine performance and longevity, necessitating periodic checks and replacements. The exhaust system, comprising the muffler and catalytic converter, requires inspection for signs of rust, damage, or leaks that could compromise important vehicle checks and overall performance. This comprehensive assessment of belts, hoses, filters, and the exhaust system is integral to maintaining a reliable and smoothly functioning vehicle. Regular but important vehicle checks contribute to longevity, efficiency, and the overall health of your automotive investment.

Emergency Kit:

Before you assemble your survival kit, consider two essential questions: who is the intended recipient, and what types of emergencies could impact them? Customise the kit based on the distinct needs of individuals, including pets, taking into account variations between a young, single adult, a family with children, or an older couple. Next, identify the specific emergencies relevant to your location. For example, those on the West Coast may prioritise earthquake or wildfire preparedness, while flood-prone areas need plans for flash floods or hurricanes.

Residents of Tornado Alley should be familiar with tornado warning procedures. Different regions may encounter avalanches, mudslides, blizzards, or extreme temperatures. Evaluate whether emergencies require sheltering in place or evacuation. Consider creating a portable survival kit for your car’s important vehicle checks if evacuation is a possibility. Regardless of your current answers, preparing for common aspects of major disasters is a universally wise approach. Keep reading to discover essential measures for readiness.