Pre-Trip Car Inspection: What to Check Before Hitting the Road
Whether you're embarking on a cross-country road trip or simply driving to work, it's important to make sure your car is in good working order before you hit the road. That's why we recommend doing a pre-trip car inspection before every journey, no matter how short. In this blog post, we'll run through a checklist of things to look for in your pre-trip car inspection. By following this simple checklist, you can help ensure a safe and smooth journey for everyone involved.
Pre-Trip Car Inspection Checklist
1. Tires
Check the tread depth of your tires and look for any signs of wear and tear. If you're not sure how to check the tread depth of your tires, we have a tread depth gauge that you can use for free. It's also a good idea to check the air pressure in your tires and inflate them to the recommended level if necessary.
2. Lights
All of your car's lights should be in good working order before you set off on a trip. This includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. If any of your bulbs are burned out, now is the time to replace them. It's also a good idea to clean your headlights and taillights so that other drivers can see you more easily.
3. Windshield Wipers
Check the condition of your windshield wipers and replace them if they're worn out. You should also fill up your windshield wiper fluid reservoir so that you can clear away any debris or rain that might obstruct your view while driving.
4. Engine Oil
Check the level of oil in your engine and top it off if necessary. You should also check for any leaks underneath your car. If you see any oil leaks, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic.
5. Coolant
Like engine oil, coolant levels should be checked before setting off on a long journey. Make sure the coolant reservoir is filled to the proper level and that there are no leaks in the system. It's also a good idea to check the condition of your radiator hoses and replace them if they're cracked or leaking coolant.
6. Brakes
Before setting off on any trip, regardless of distance, it's important to make sure your brakes are in good working order. This means checking for wear and tear on the brake pads and replacing them if necessary. You should also have your brakes checked by a qualified mechanic at least once a year.As you can see, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when doing a pre-trip car inspection! But don't let this long list overwhelm you-a lot of these items can be checked quickly and easily (like tire tread depth or coolant levels) while others (like brake pads) may need some expert attention from our team. By taking care of these items before hitting the road, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.