If you’re like me, you love driving. Maybe too much. I can be found behind the wheel of my car more often than not, especially when the weather is nice.
However, there are some things that I don’t check before getting behind the wheel that could cause me (and others) a lot of trouble if they aren’t taken care of before hitting the road.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Regular car maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle in top shape. Be sure to follow standard maintenance procedures to avoid problems down the road. |
| – When buying a vehicle, preparation is key. Make sure you know what you’re looking for and what to expect before making a purchase. |
| – If you’re experiencing car problems, be sure to troubleshoot the issue quickly to avoid costly repairs. |
| – Staying safe on the road should always be a top priority, whether you’re on a short commute or a long road trip. |
| – Proper long-term car maintenance requires attention to detail and regular maintenance tasks. Use a checklist to streamline the process and ensure you don’t forget anything important. |
So here are 12 things you should check before you get into your car:
Oil Change
It’s a good idea to check the oil level before you drive anywhere, but especially if it has been a while since your last change. If you don’t know how much oil is in there, just grab an old quart and use that as a reference point.
It’s also important to change the oil filter at this time–that way, when you take apart the engine later on (for example if an inspection reveals some damage), there won’t be any surprises waiting for you under all those layers of gunk.
Tire’s Inflations and Tread
- Tire pressure: Check the tire pressure every month. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask your mechanic or look up a guide online.
- Tread depth: The tread depth should be at least 1/16th of an inch for optimal traction and safety in wet weather conditions, which can cause your car to hydroplane (slide). If your tires are worn down much lower than that, it’s time for new ones!
- Damage: Look for any signs of damage on the tires themselves–punctures or cracks in the rubber and bulges caused by underinflation will make them unsafe to drive on immediately until they’re repaired or replaced altogether.
Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Don’t neglect it! Check out our top 10 car maintenance tips to learn more about keeping your vehicle in top shape.
Coolant
It’s important to check the coolant level every time you check your oil, as it can be one of the first signs of a problem with your engine.
The coolant mixture is made up of water and antifreeze, which keeps the engine from overheating by absorbing heat and keeping it from building up in the engine block.
If there isn’t enough coolant in your vehicle, then this process won’t happen properly–and that means more wear-and-tear on various parts like pistons and valves.
That being said: don’t just look at what color fluid is coming out when you open up an access panel on top (because sometimes greenish stuff can be okay). Instead check specifically what type of car manufacturer recommends using based on their model year/make/model specifications before filling up any containers with new liquid!
| Brand | Type | Lifespan | Signs of Wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerex | Antifreeze/Coolant | 5 years/150,000 miles | Rust, debris, discoloration |
| Prestone | Antifreeze/Coolant | 5 years/150,000 miles | Rust, debris, discoloration |
| Peak | Antifreeze/Coolant | 5 years/150,000 miles | Rust, debris, discoloration |
| O’Reilly | Antifreeze/Coolant | 5 years/150,000 miles | Rust, debris, discoloration |
| Genuine Honda | Type 2 Antifreeze/Coolant | 3 years/60,000 miles | Rust, debris, discoloration |
This table provides information on different brands of coolant, including the type, typical lifespan, and signs of wear. It’s important to regularly check your coolant levels and replace old or worn-out coolant to prevent engine damage and overheating.
Lights
Brake lights and turn signals: Check all of your lights, including brake lights and turn signals. Make sure they’re clean and working properly by shining a flashlight at them from an angle. If you notice any cracks or holes in your headlight lenses, get them replaced immediately because this can cause glare that makes it difficult for others to see you at night.
Headlights: Make sure both headlights are aimed properly (not too high or low). Also check that they aren’t cracked or broken–if so, replace them immediately! And finally…don’t forget about those taillights!
Don’t let the car buying process intimidate you. With the right preparation, you can make a smart and confident decision. Check out our ultimate car buying checklist to learn more about what you need to know before you buy.
Mirrors
You have to check the mirrors every time you get in your car. You can’t just assume that they’re fine and leave it at that, because if you do, it could be a very dangerous mistake. You also need to make sure that your mirrors are adjusted properly and cleaned regularly so that they work as well as possible.
If you find any issues with your mirrors or need help adjusting them, go talk with an expert at [shop]!
Spare Tire
Before you get behind the wheel, there are a few things you should always check.
Tire pressure: Check that all tires are properly inflated and have enough tread on them. You can easily do this by sticking a penny in between two parallel lines of your tire’s tread. If both sides of Lincoln’s head are visible, then it’s time to invest in new tires!
Spare tire: Make sure that your car has one–and if so, make sure it’s in good condition (including having enough air) and not too old (older spares won’t hold air for long).
Also be sure to keep an eye on its inflation level–you don’t want to be stranded with a flat because your spare was flat from lack of use!
Changing a flat tire isn’t hard at all; just follow these steps: 1) Park safely off-road or on level ground 2) Remove any objects from undercarriage 3) Jack up car using jack stands 4) Remove lug nuts 5) Lift off wheel 6) Replace flat 7) Lower vehicle
Car problems can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you’re experiencing issues, it’s important to know what to do. Check out our guide on the most common car problems and how to fix them to learn more about troubleshooting your vehicle.
Wiper Blades
When you’re checking your car, make sure you look at the wiper blades. If they are cracked or worn out, they will not be able to clean your windshield properly and you could get into an accident because of it.
Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year. If you have had your car for quite some time, check the age of your current wipers before replacing them with new ones; if they are old enough (usually around six months), they may need to be replaced as well!
| Brand | Typical Lifespan | Signs of Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch | 1 year | Streaking, skipping, chattering |
| Rain-X | 6-12 months | Streaking, skipping, cracking |
| Trico | 6-12 months | Streaking, skipping, split rubber |
| Anco | 6-12 months | Streaking, skipping, frayed edges |
| Michelin | 6-12 months | Streaking, skipping, bent frames |
This table provides information on the typical lifespans and signs of wear for wiper blades from various brands. It’s important to replace your wiper blades regularly to ensure they are working properly and keeping your windshield clean during inclement weather.
Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter
The air filter is a simple device that cleans the air going into the engine, while a cabin air filter cleans the air going into your car’s cabin.
They both need to be replaced periodically–usually every 12 months for most cars–and if you’re not sure when it’s time to get new ones, make sure you check these two things:
Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on how often you should change out your filters. If there aren’t any recommendations in there, try looking online at forums or other resources where people talk about their cars (like Edmunds) for advice on how often they replace their own filters.
Look inside each of these filters and see if they’re dirty; if so, then yes! It would be wise of you to replace them sooner rather than later because they won’t do their job properly once they get too clogged with dust particles and other debris from outside air passing through them day after day after day…
Battery Cables and Connectors
- Check for corrosion. If you see signs of corrosion, it’s time to replace the battery cables.
Check for loose connections and cracked insulation on the battery posts, terminals and clamps. If any of these are damaged or missing entirely, that could cause an electrical short that would result in sparks or even an explosion when you turn on your car’s ignition key!
Look for cracks in the case of both batteries (if there are two), especially around where it joins together at either end – this is where most explosions occur so be sure to check carefully here!
You can also inspect each post individually by removing caps from either end; if these look damaged then replace them immediately with new ones before trying again later down time when things have cooled down sufficiently enough not only from having been exposed directly during use but also due to heat generated during charging cycles as well).
Road trips are a great way to explore new places, but safety should always be a top priority. Check out our guide on 16 simple steps to avoid a car accident to learn more about staying safe on the road.
Belts and Hoses
If you’ve ever been in a car, you know that belts and hoses are important–they’re what keep your engine running. But did you know that if they break or get loose, it can cause the car to stop working?
If not, now is the time for education! A belt keeps the alternator turning at just the right speed so that it generates electricity for all of your vehicle’s systems. Hoses deliver fuel from tanks and air from compressors throughout the engine compartment as well. If either one malfunctions, it could result in serious damage–and possibly even death if you’re driving at high speeds when something goes wrong with these vital components.
Fortunately for us all (and especially those who don’t know how), there are plenty of ways to check whether our belts and hoses are still up-to-snuff:
| Part | Typical Lifespan | Signs of Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Serpentine Belt | 60,000-100,000 miles | Cracks, fraying, squeaking, slipping |
| Timing Belt | 70,000-100,000 miles | Cracks on the belt, difficulty starting the engine, misfires |
| Radiator Hose | 50,000-100,000 miles | Cracks, leaks, soft spots |
| Heater Hose | 50,000-100,000 miles | Cracks, leaks, soft spots |
| Power Steering Hose | 100,000 miles | Cracks, leaks, difficulty steering |
| Brake Hose | 100,000 miles | Cracks, leaks, spongy brakes |
| Air Conditioning Hose | 100,000 miles | Leaks, damage to the insulation |
This table provides information on the lifespans and signs of wear for various belts and hoses in a vehicle. It can be helpful to keep track of how many miles you’ve driven since the last replacement to ensure you don’t miss any important maintenance tasks.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in power steering systems. It’s important to check it regularly and change it if necessary, as power loss or leaks can be dangerous. If you notice any power loss or see a leak, have your mechanic check out your vehicle right away!
If you’re not sure how often you should be checking your power steering fluid levels, ask your mechanic when they would recommend doing so–they may recommend checking every 3000 miles (5000 km), depending on the age of your car and its mileage history.
Regular car maintenance is important, but it’s also easy to forget what needs to be done. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Check out our essential car maintenance checklist for long-term ownership to make sure you’re not missing anything important.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve found this article useful and informative. We know how stressful it can be to get behind the wheel with a car that isn’t in tip-top shape, so we wanted to make sure that we gave you some tips and tricks on what things you should check before getting out there on the road.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about safe driving and car maintenance, check out these helpful resources:
Common Things You Forget to Do When Driving: This article covers some of the most common things people forget when driving, including turning off lights, checking mirrors, and more.
Ten Tips for Getting Back Behind the Wheel: Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned pro, getting back behind the wheel after a break can be daunting. These tips will help you get back up to speed safely.
Behind the Wheel Test: 3 Things You Need to Know: If you’re preparing for a behind-the-wheel driving test, this article can help. It covers three essential things you need to know before hitting the road.
FAQs
What are some common things people forget when driving?
Some common things people forget when driving include turning off lights, checking mirrors, fastening seatbelts, and using turn signals.
How can I prepare for getting back behind the wheel after a break?
To prepare for getting back behind the wheel after a break, experts recommend taking things slowly, practicing in a safe area, and reviewing the basics of driving.
How can I stay focused while driving?
To stay focused while driving, it’s important to avoid distractions such as using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Additionally, try to stay well-rested and alert on the road.
How often should I get my car serviced?
Experts recommend getting your car serviced at least once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. However, some vehicles may require more frequent maintenance, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
What should I do if my car breaks down on the road?
If your car breaks down on the road, your first priority should be to move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Then, call for help and stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until assistance arrives.
Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.
