Vehicle checks before you drive

By the end of this topic you can

• You can do a walk-around check of tyres, lights and glass.
• You can check basic fluid levels using the owner's manual.
• You can recognise the most important dashboard warning lights.
• You can decide when a car is not safe to drive.

What you need to know and understand

• Tyres must have at least 1.5 mm of tread across the part that touches the road, and no cracks or bulges. This applies to the spare too.
• Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, using the figure on the tyre placard or in the owner's manual.
• Headlights, brake lights, indicators and parking lights must all work. NSW says you must not drive at night if your lights are not working.
• Wipers, washers, horn and seatbelts should be checked regularly.
• It is illegal to drive an unroadworthy car, and police can issue a defect notice.
• A red warning light on the dashboard usually means stop safely and get help.

The two-minute walk-around

1. Walk around the car and look at each tyre for low pressure, cuts or bulges.
2. Check that the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean and not cracked across your view.
3. Look under the car for fresh leaks.
4. Make sure L plates are fitted front and back and do not cover the number plates.
5. Inside, switch on the ignition and check lights and indicators work, using a helper or a reflection in a shop window.

Under the bonnet, with the engine off

Your owner's manual shows where each item is. Check with the engine off and cool, and on level ground.

• Engine oil: use the dipstick and keep the level between the marks.
• Coolant: check the level in the see-through reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap.
• Brake fluid: a falling level can mean worn brakes or a leak, so get it checked.
• Windscreen washer fluid: top up with water and washer additive.

Warning lights worth knowing

Most cars light up their warning symbols briefly when you start them, then they go out. If one stays on, look it up in the manual. Red lights, such as oil pressure, engine temperature or brake system, are urgent: stop when safe and switch off. Amber lights, such as engine check or low tyre pressure on some cars, mean get it looked at soon.

Common mistakes

• Checking tyre pressure straight after a long drive. Hot tyres read higher, so check them cold.
• Ignoring a warning light because the car still seems to drive normally.
• Hanging items from the mirror. WA says it is illegal to have anything hanging from it.
• Forgetting the spare tyre until you need it.

Test yourself: Vehicle checks before you drive

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.