"Know Before You Go": Suggested Pre-Trip Checks

"Know Before You Go"
Suggested Pre-Trip Checks

From Steve Ford - The Car GuyŽ

HERE'S A HELPFUL PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU CHECK YOUR VEHICLE OUT BEFORE MAKING A LONG-DISTANCE DRIVE. CONSULT YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL OR SPEAK TO YOUR TECHNICIAN FOR ADVICE IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THESE PROCEDURES:

1.	ENGINE OIL LEVEL
2.	COOLANT LEVEL
3.	FAN AND ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS (visual checks: cracks, frayed?)
4.	RADIATOR HOSES (visual checks: cracks, blisters -- two years or older?)
5.	TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
6.	BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
7.	BATTERY (visual checks: corrosion, dirty? Check the label for the battery service life; most batteries today otherwise indicate "maintenance-free." If your battery doesn't say "maintenance-free," then you should ask a technician to assist you in checking the internal acid level (if you proceed to check further wear eye protection).
8.	HORN
9.	LIGHTS (headlights -- both high and low beams, turn signals, parking lights, running (side) lights, brake lights, back-up lights, emergency flashers.
10.	TIRES (tire pressure -- don't forget to consider any extra loads; are you towing? Visually inspect tires for irregular tread wear or sidewall damage. Consult your owner's manual for additional information on tires and pressure specifications.)
11.	WINDSHIELD WIPERS (visual checks: wiper blades; washer reservoir level)
12.	SHOCKS/STRUTS (Bounce each corner of the car up and down several times -- separately, in both front and rear. When released, the car should not continue bouncing more than once. Shocks and struts are both stabilizers; if the car bounces alone more than once the shocks are worn -- or you've been working out with Arnold what's-his-name.)
13.	EXHAUST SYSTEM (Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can be deadly in concentrations. Exposure to even small amounts can cause nausea and headaches. Big leaks are easy to find because you hear them; small ones are sneakier. With the engine running; transmission in neutral; parking brake on: listen under the hood, around and from the underside of the car for any hissing, buzzing or rumbling sounds)

Copyright 1995 - 2010 - Entire Contents - Steve Ford, The Car Guy - Est. 1983
Ž The Car Guy - 1983 CA; Interstate Registrations 1985; 1997 - Trademark Registered: United States Patent and Trademark Office