Have you ever wondered whether or not you are missing something in your everyday routine that could lead to an injury or worse? It’s easy to take your body for granted, but many things can go wrong if you’re not paying attention. The same goes for cars, especially if you own one and drive it often. You need to ensure that your car has passed all of its safety inspections before you even get behind the wheel. Here are 11 checks you should perform on your car each day, so you can make sure that everything is running correctly and safely.
Safety Inspection For Car
1. Check Tire Pressure
One of the most important things you can do for your car is to check the tire pressure. Not only will this help improve your gas mileage, but it will also help keep your tires from wearing down too quickly. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, and more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
It is also important to keep an eye on your tire tread. If your tires have less than 1/8th of an inch of tread, you should replace them as soon as possible. Having less than that puts you at a higher risk of getting in a car accident because they can overheat and blow out more easily. As a rule of thumb, if your tires are over 5 years old or 10,000 miles worn, it is time to get new ones before you get into an accident.
You should also check your spare tire once a month, or at least once a year. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road when your main tires go out, and you have no way to get home. You should also check to make sure that your emergency lights are working if you have them in your car.
2. Check Windshield Wipers
One of the most important things you can do to maintain the safety of your car is to check your windshield wipers. You should check them at least once a month, and more often if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. Look for cracks, fraying, or other damage that could prevent them from working properly. If you find any damage, replace the wipers as soon as possible.
Rain and snow can be a major safety hazard, particularly when your windshield wipers are not working properly. Always make sure your wipers are in good condition and are able to clear all rain or snow from your windshield. Do not wait until it starts raining—check them regularly so you never have to experience an accident due to poor visibility.
Foggy windshields can be just as dangerous. If you cannot see clearly, pull over immediately and turn on your defroster to clear away any fog. With proper windshield maintenance, including replacing damaged wipers, you will never have to worry about struggling to see through your car’s windows again.
3. Clean The Car
A clean car is a happy car. Plus, it is easier to check for things when the car is clean. Here is a quick list of things you should do to clean your car:
- Wash the outside of the car with soap and water.
- Vacuum the inside of the car, including the trunk.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
- Clean the windows inside and out.
- Clean your floor mats. – Check tire pressure.
4. Check Oil, Antifreeze, Coolant Level
One of the most important things you can do for your car is to check the oil level regularly. You should also check the antifreeze and coolant levels in your car’s radiator. These fluids help keep your engine cool and prevent it from overheating. Checking them regularly will help extend the life of your engine.
You should check your coolant and antifreeze levels when you are changing your oil. Checking them at least twice a year is usually enough, but checking them more often won’t hurt. You can buy an inexpensive radiator fluid tester to see if you need to add or replace some of these fluids.
You can check your coolant level by looking at the reservoir tank on top of your radiator. You should also visually inspect it for any cracks or leaks. If you see that there is a leak, you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. It is also important to note that if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, use only winter-grade antifreeze instead of standard coolant. Not doing so could cause damage to your engine when temperatures fall below freezing.
READ: What Is Distracted Driving; Causes, Types & Ways To Reduce It
5. Check Hoses And Belts
Check all of the hoses under the hood of your car. Look for cracks, kinks, or signs of wear and tear. If any of the hoses are damaged, replace them immediately. Also, check the belts to make sure they are tight and not frayed. If they are, replace them as well. These simple checks can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Checking your belts and hoses is not just for routine maintenance. Every time you start your car, check these items before driving away to avoid accidents from occurring. You should also be checking these regularly in between maintenance visits to keep yourself safe on a daily basis.
Check your hoses and belts before you leave in order to reduce risk. Replace any damaged or worn parts as soon as possible. Also, be sure to check these items regularly in between visits to your mechanic so that you are ready for whatever comes your way on a daily basis.
6. Test Lights And Other Electrical Components
Before you get in your car, it is important to do a quick check of all the lights and electrical components. This includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers. You should also check to make sure that your mirrors are clean and positioned correctly.
Make sure to test all of your lights before you hit the road, especially if you are going to be driving during rush hour or at night. Some states require headlights to be on any time a vehicle is on public roads, but it’s a good idea for safety reasons regardless. A burned-out headlight is an unnecessary distraction and could pose a hazard for other drivers. Before turning on your lights, take a moment to double-check that no one else is nearby who could potentially be blinded by your bright beams.
If you notice any lights that are not working, head to a mechanic or auto body shop as soon as possible. In some cases, these types of problems could lead to bigger issues down the road if they are not taken care of immediately. When you visit your mechanic for a headlight repair or taillight replacement, ask about other common electrical issues and ways to avoid them in the future.
7. Check Engine Fluids Such As Brake, Transmission, and Power Steering Fluid Levels
You should check your car’s engine fluids at least once a month. This includes brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Checking these fluids helps keep your car running smoothly and can prevent big problems down the road. Plus, it’s a good way to get to know your car and how it works.
We recommend checking the following fluids every time you fill up with gas or have an oil change: Engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, brakes (including drums and discs), battery terminals and cables, power steering fluid level in reservoir or bottle, antifreeze level in radiator reservoir or bottle, transmission fluid level in dipstick or pan, axle lubricant (universal joint grease), air filter.
8. Grease All The Moving Parts Of Your Car Such As Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends Etc.
It’s important to keep all the moving parts of your car greased. This includes ball joints, tie rod ends, and any other parts that move. By keeping these parts lubricated, you can extend the life of your car and prevent expensive repairs. Plus, it’s a good idea to check your car’s grease levels regularly to ensure that everything is in working order.
Ball joints are an important part of your car. They connect your wheels to your suspension, so they need to be replaced if there is a significant amount of wear. You can test them with a ball joint press or manually by lifting your vehicle and checking for movement. You should also check for play by pressing down on one end of the ball joint and rocking it back and forth. If there is any noticeable movement, then you will want to replace it as soon as possible.
READ: 41 Safe Driving Tips You Must Apply While Driving
9. Test Safety Systems Such As Emergency Brakes, Seat Belts, Etc.
You should check your car’s safety systems every day to ensure they are functioning properly. This includes testing the emergency brake, seat belts, and airbags.
Test other safety systems such as headlights, lights, and turn signals. You can do a headlight test by turning your car on at night and checking to see if all of your headlights are working. Headlights should come on when you turn on your ignition, turn toward any other vehicle, or press down on your brake pedal.
You can test your lights by pressing down on your brake pedal and seeing if all of your taillights and brake lights come on. If your car does not have taillights, then try to make a lane change and check if all of your turn signals are working. Test each one individually and wait until you see that they are not flashing anymore before turning them off.
10. Check Air Filter
This is an easy one to forget, especially if you drive in a city. But it should be done at least once a month (sometimes more).
11. Get A Full Vehicle Inspection On Every 30,000 Miles (50,000 Kilometers).
Depending on your driving habits, you may need to get a full vehicle inspection more or less often. But as a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to get a full vehicle inspection every 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers)
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