Vehicle checks before you drive
A quick check before you drive can catch a flat tire, a broken light or a leak before it causes a crash. It takes a minute or two and becomes a habit.
Canadian winters add extra checks, such as clearing snow and ice and fitting the right tires.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can do a circle check around the vehicle.
- You can spot worn or damaged tires.
- You can check that all lights work.
- You can check oil, coolant and washer fluid safely.
- You can explain the winter tire rules that apply where you drive.
What you need to know and understand
- A circle check means walking around the vehicle looking for damage, leaks, low tires, loose loads and snow or ice on lights and windows.
- In Ontario, replace car tires when tread is under 1.5 mm or the wear bars touch the road.
- Replace tires with bulges, cuts, exposed cords, or that are older than 10 years.
- Check oil and coolant with the engine cold.
- Warning lights should come on when you start the engine and then go out.
- Quebec requires winter tires on passenger vehicles from December 1 to March 15.
- Other provinces have different winter tire rules, such as signed highways that require winter tires or chains in BC.
The circle check, step by step
- Look under the vehicle for fresh fluid leaks.
- Walk around and check each tire for low pressure, bulges and cuts.
- Look for new damage to the body, mirrors and glass.
- Clear snow, ice and dirt from all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
- Get in, start the engine and watch the warning lights go out.
- Test the headlights, signals and brake lights, with a helper if you can.
Regular checks (weekly or before long trips)
- Tire pressure, using the figure on the driver's door frame or owner's manual
- Tread depth and tire condition
- Engine oil and coolant levels, engine cold
- Windshield washer fluid, with extra in winter
- Wiper blades for streaking or tears
- Brakes: listen for squealing or grinding
Winter readiness
Four matching winter or all-weather tires give the best grip on snow and ice. Carry an emergency kit with booster cables, a scraper, a shovel and warm clothing. A noisy or rattling exhaust is dangerous in winter because fumes can enter the car, so get it checked.
Common mistakes
- Clearing only a small hole in the windshield instead of all windows and lights.
- Ignoring a warning light that stays on after starting.
- Opening a hot radiator or coolant cap.
- Mixing winter tires and all-season tires on the same vehicle.
Test yourself: Vehicle checks before you drive
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Ontario MTO Official Driver's Handbook, Maintaining your vehicle and Getting ready to drive (ontario.ca); SAAQ and Government of Quebec, Requirements for winter tires (quebec.ca). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.