Pre-drive inspection

The pre-drive inspection should be part of any defensive driving program. This important task can help identify problems with your vehicle before it gets on the road. Many accidents can be prevented by conducting a pre-drive inspection.

It normally only takes a few minutes to conduct a pre-drive inspection. This time is well worth the investment, especially if it reveals problems that you can fix on the spot. By attending to those problems before you begin your trip, you can save yourself time and money.

As part of your defensive driving program, conduct the following inspection before you leave on your trip:

• Walk-around inspection
  • Walk around the vehicle before you get in to make sure there's nothing behind or underneath that you might run over. This is especially important if children are in the area.
• Tires
  • Give the tires a quick glance. See if any are losing air or if any debris has been lodged into the threads.
• Leaks under vehicle
  • Check for any leaks under the vehicle. Fixing this problem now can save you from a possible breakdown later on.
• Windows clean, nothing blocking vision
  • When you get in the vehicle, make sure the windows are clean and that there's nothing blocking your vision.
• Mirrors properly adjusted
  • Make sure both rearview and side mirrors are properly adjusted.
• Lights working properly
  • Be sure all outside and inside lights work properly—including turn signals. This one tasks can prevent many accidents from happening if, for instance, your brake lights are not working.