You probably don’t check your car over every single time that you’re going for a drive. And really, it’s okay not to check it before each trip. However, you should make it a habit to run through a quick car safety checklist every few trips.
And you should definitely run through a checklist before any longer drives. In this post, we’ll be giving you our version of a car safety checklist. Feel free to take notes to keep in your car’s glove compartment as reference for future trips!
Car Safety Checklist
Here are some of the things you should be checking every few trips in your car:
Tire Pressure
The pressure level in your tires wears down over time, so you’ll want to make sure to check it fairly regularly. To check your tire pressure, use a gauge rather than just trying to eyeball it. If your tire pressure is low, make sure you know the correct number you need to fill it back up to.
Lights
You don’t see your lights from the inside of your car, so it’s easy to go a long time without noticing when one is out. Every so often, see if you can get a friend to help you with a light check. You should go over your headlights, high beams, blinkers, breaks, caution, and reverse lights.
Windshield Wipers
The last thing you want to happen in a rainstorm is realize that your wipers no longer work, leaving you with a streaky windshield that prevents you from seeing clearly. For your own safety and the safety of others, make sure to check that your windshield wipers work every once in a while.
Warning Lights
Your car’s warning lights turn on for a reason. If you notice any warning lights the next time you start up your car, make sure to look into it and get any problems addressed as soon as possible.
Leaks
Even if your car is new, you should be checking for leaks. To check for a leak, just take a peek at the ground underneath your car after it’s been parked for a while. Any liquid on the ground could suggest that your car has a leak.
Steering
If your car’s steering stops working, you’ll be in for some nearly impossible turns the next time you take yourself for a drive. To check your steering, find an open space to test out turning your wheel all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. Any difficulty in doing so could suggest an impending problem with your car’s steering.
Fluids
Every once in a while, try to check that your car has the proper amounts of each fluid by taking a look under the hood. Make sure to check the levels of your windshield wiper fluid or antifreeze as well as the oil.
Emergency Preparedness
If you end up in any sort of emergency while driving, you’ll want to be prepared. Make sure that your car has properly functioning emergency equipment on board. This includes things like flares, an extra tire, jumper cables, a toolbox, a reflective vest, a flashlight, warm blankets, non-perishable food items, and more.
Sign the Pledge to Stay Safe Today
At Drive Friendly AZ, our goal is to help Mesa, Gilbert, and East Valley drivers gain knowledge about safe driving behavior. If you’ve enjoyed reading about our car safety checklist and want to commit to safe driving practices,sign our pledge today. You’ll be joining other people who want to drive friendly and arrive safely.
More reading to help you Drive Friendly and Arrive Safely on your next road trip:
The No-Zone: When Trucks Can’t See You
Obeying The Speed Limit (Slow Kills As Much As Fast Does)
5 Tips for Driving Defensively