Vehicle checks before you drive

By the end of this topic you can

• You can do a walk-around check of tires, lights and windows.
• You can check tire pressure against the recommended figure.
• You can locate and read the main fluid levels.
• You can respond correctly to a dashboard warning light.
• You can make sure the car is ready for a road test.

What you need to know and understand

• The recommended tire pressure is on a label usually found inside the driver's door frame, and in the owner's manual.
• The number printed on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended one.
• Check pressure when tires are cold, before driving far.
• Headlights, brake lights and turn signals must all work.
• Red warning lights usually mean stop safely and investigate; amber or yellow usually means get it checked soon.
• Your windshield, windows and mirrors must be clear enough to see properly.
• Road test vehicle requirements vary by state: check your state manual before test day.

The two-minute walk-around

1. Look under and around the car for children, pets, objects or fluid leaks.
2. Check each tire for low pressure, cuts, bulges and worn tread.
3. Make sure lights and lenses are clean and not cracked.
4. Check windows and mirrors are clean and, in winter, clear of snow and ice.
5. Inside, adjust seat and mirrors, then switch on and check that warning lights go out after start-up.

Under the hood, now and then

You do not need to do this before every trip, but learn to check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid once a week or before a long drive. Your owner's manual shows where each is and what level is correct. Only open the coolant cap when the engine is cold, as hot coolant can scald.

Lights and signals with a helper

Ask your supervisor to stand outside while you test headlights (low and high beam), turn signals, hazard lights and brake lights. Brake lights are hard to check alone, so a helper or a reflection in a shop window makes it easier. A burned-out bulb is a common reason for a failed pre-test vehicle check.

Common mistakes

• Inflating tires to the number on the sidewall rather than the door label.
• Ignoring a warning light because the car still seems to drive normally.
• Clearing only a small patch of a frosted windshield.
• Turning up for a road test with a blown brake light or cracked windshield.

Test yourself: Vehicle checks before you drive

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