Pre-Trip Inspections: An Important Part Of Auto Maintenance
Having a personal vehicle allows you to easily travel from one place to another. Although a car can be a great benefit, your vehicle could quickly turn into a source of stress if not maintained properly.
Implementing pre-trip a vehicle safety check into your driving routine can be a beneficial way to improve your vehicle's performance and better maintain its mechanical systems over time.
Start by conducting a visual inspection for damage.
Any pre-trip safety inspection should start out with a thorough visual analysis. Take the time to walk around your car and check for any signs of damage. It's possible for a vehicle to get dinged by a door in a parking lot or scratched by some tree branches while driving.
Body damage could lead to the formation of rust, which could seriously compromise the structural stability of your vehicle. A visual inspection will allow you to spot any body damage that will need to be repaired to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Check tire pressure.
The condition of your vehicle's tires can play a critical role in the overall safety and performance of the car itself. It's essential that you are taking the time to incorporate a tire check element into your pre-trip safety inspection.
Check your owner's manual to determine the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure settings, then use a pressure gauge to measure each of your vehicle's tires. Overinflated or underinflated tires could both lead to tire failure, so maintaining proper tire pressure is essential. You should also take a look at the tread wear patterns on each tire to determine if your vehicle needs to be taken in for an alignment.
Make sure all lights are functional.
Other drivers have no way of reading your mind when sharing the roadway with you. Your vehicle is equipped with lights that play an important role in communicating your intent to other drivers. Failing lights could lead to a serious accident, so you should check the function of each exterior light during your pre-trip vehicle safety check.
Have someone step on the brake, put the vehicle in reverse, and activate each turn signal while you stand behind your car. This will allow you to see if you need to replace any bulbs before embarking on your trip. You should also check the function of your headlight lamps and fog lights to ensure maximum safety while operating your vehicle on public roadways.
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