Top Must-Do Car Safety Checks This Summer
Every car owner or user should keep a car safety checklist, and well, check it. Regularly performing car safety checks is an indispensable practice for every vehicle owner. Keeping your car in top-notch condition ensures not only your safety but also the safety of your passengers and fellow road users. A proactive approach to car maintenance allows you to identify potential issues early on, preventing them from escalating into major and costly problems.
By incorporating the car safety checklist into your routine, you gain a deeper understanding of your vehicle's overall health and performance. This empowers you to take swift action if any anomalies are detected, reducing the risk of breakdowns and unexpected mishaps. Moreover, these checks provide an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the intricate workings of your car, enhancing your driving experience and confidence on the road.
Inspect Tire Condition
Regularly examine tire tread depth, looking for signs of wear and tear. Check sidewalls for bulges or cracks that may compromise tire integrity. Properly inflated tires provide better traction and handling, enhancing overall safety. Don’t forget to check on the spare tire too, just in case you might end up needing to use it.
Brake System Evaluation
Periodically assess brake performance by testing responsiveness and listening for abnormal noises. Monitor brake fluid levels to ensure the system works optimally, providing efficient stopping power when needed.
Lights and Signals
Verify all exterior lights are functioning correctly, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Properly working lights enhance visibility and ensure proper communication with other drivers. This step becomes even more significant if you’re towing something and you need to check if the lights of the trailer are working correctly before departing.
Seatbelts and Restraints
Regularly inspect seatbelt functionality, ensuring they latch securely and retract correctly. In case you own an older vehicle, or maybe a pre-owned car, it might be helpful to check for recalls that might pertain to your particular model and ensure there are no potential manufacturing defects that are pending a fix.
Windshield and Mirrors
Examine the windshield for cracks, chips, or other damages that could hinder visibility. In the case of cracks, it might be better to have it replaced with a fresh one for your safety as further damage on your next outing may be critical and leave you stranded mid-journey. Adjust all mirrors for the best viewing angles, enhancing overall road awareness. These angles vary based on the driver’s seat position as well, so in case multiple people of different heights happen to drive the same car, each user should check their mirror positions for optimal visibility before each drive.
Steering and Suspension
Test the steering system for responsiveness and smooth operation, ensuring it has the full range of movement in both directions without any strange noise or obstructions. Assess the suspension for signs of wear, as a stable and controlled ride is vital for safe handling.
Fluid Levels
Regularly check engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid levels to maintain proper engine function and prevent potential issues. Most of these fluid levels can be checked taking a peek under the bonnet (for most cars) like the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels. Others may need more professional capabilities, so have those checked at your trusted garage.
Battery Health
Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, ensuring a secure electrical connection. Monitor battery voltage to avoid unexpected breakdowns. If you’ve had recent trouble such as multiple attempts to start the car, have it checked as it could be a different mechanical issue unrelated to the car’s battery.
Exhaust System
Regularly inspect the exhaust system for leaks, rust, or damage. A well-maintained exhaust system ensures proper emissions and reduces health hazards.
Safety Features
Familiarize yourself with advanced safety systems of your car, such as ABS(anti-lock braking system), stability control, and collision warning. Regular inspection of these features during vehicle service is useful to confirm their proper functionality, adding an extra layer of safety while out on the road.
Emergency Kit
While diligent safety checks should improve your odds of avoiding a breakdown, one must be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure you check the emergency kit in the boot to make sure it has the essentials like first aid, a flashlight, warning triangle and maybe an emergency tyre inflator.
Conclusion
Regularly performing simple car safety checks is a proactive approach that can significantly extend the life of your vehicle while preventing unwanted mishaps on the road. These checks involve inspecting critical components such as tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels, as well as ensuring the proper functioning of essential systems like the steering and suspension.
Even in the unfortunate event of a breakdown, it is crucial to prioritize safety by following the correct procedures. Pull over to a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares if available which are especially useful at night. Keep your emergency kit handy, and a reflective vest. Contact roadside assistance or a trusted mechanic for help if needed. In case you bought a used car from CARS24 with the Platinum cover, you can benefit from CARS24’s national network of repair centres.
Ultimately, the habit of performing simple car safety checks regularly not only extends the life of your car but also enhances your safety on the road. Being prepared for breakdowns ensures you can handle unforeseen situations with confidence, minimizing inconvenience and keeping you and your passengers safe.
Every car owner or user should keep a car safety checklist, and well, check it. Regularly performing car safety checks is an indispensable practice for every vehicle owner. Keeping your car in top-notch condition ensures not only your safety but also the safety of your passengers and fellow road users. A proactive approach to car maintenance allows you to identify potential issues early on, preventing them from escalating into major and costly problems.
By incorporating the car safety checklist into your routine, you gain a deeper understanding of your vehicle's overall health and performance. This empowers you to take swift action if any anomalies are detected, reducing the risk of breakdowns and unexpected mishaps. Moreover, these checks provide an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the intricate workings of your car, enhancing your driving experience and confidence on the road.
Inspect Tire Condition
Regularly examine tire tread depth, looking for signs of wear and tear. Check sidewalls for bulges or cracks that may compromise tire integrity. Properly inflated tires provide better traction and handling, enhancing overall safety. Don’t forget to check on the spare tire too, just in case you might end up needing to use it.
Brake System Evaluation
Periodically assess brake performance by testing responsiveness and listening for abnormal noises. Monitor brake fluid levels to ensure the system works optimally, providing efficient stopping power when needed.
Lights and Signals
Verify all exterior lights are functioning correctly, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Properly working lights enhance visibility and ensure proper communication with other drivers. This step becomes even more significant if you’re towing something and you need to check if the lights of the trailer are working correctly before departing.
Seatbelts and Restraints
Regularly inspect seatbelt functionality, ensuring they latch securely and retract correctly. In case you own an older vehicle, or maybe a pre-owned car, it might be helpful to check for recalls that might pertain to your particular model and ensure there are no potential manufacturing defects that are pending a fix.
Windshield and Mirrors
Examine the windshield for cracks, chips, or other damages that could hinder visibility. In the case of cracks, it might be better to have it replaced with a fresh one for your safety as further damage on your next outing may be critical and leave you stranded mid-journey. Adjust all mirrors for the best viewing angles, enhancing overall road awareness. These angles vary based on the driver’s seat position as well, so in case multiple people of different heights happen to drive the same car, each user should check their mirror positions for optimal visibility before each drive.
Steering and Suspension
Test the steering system for responsiveness and smooth operation, ensuring it has the full range of movement in both directions without any strange noise or obstructions. Assess the suspension for signs of wear, as a stable and controlled ride is vital for safe handling.
Fluid Levels
Regularly check engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid levels to maintain proper engine function and prevent potential issues. Most of these fluid levels can be checked taking a peek under the bonnet (for most cars) like the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels. Others may need more professional capabilities, so have those checked at your trusted garage.
Battery Health
Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, ensuring a secure electrical connection. Monitor battery voltage to avoid unexpected breakdowns. If you’ve had recent trouble such as multiple attempts to start the car, have it checked as it could be a different mechanical issue unrelated to the car’s battery.
Exhaust System
Regularly inspect the exhaust system for leaks, rust, or damage. A well-maintained exhaust system ensures proper emissions and reduces health hazards.
Safety Features
Familiarize yourself with advanced safety systems of your car, such as ABS(anti-lock braking system), stability control, and collision warning. Regular inspection of these features during vehicle service is useful to confirm their proper functionality, adding an extra layer of safety while out on the road.
Emergency Kit
While diligent safety checks should improve your odds of avoiding a breakdown, one must be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure you check the emergency kit in the boot to make sure it has the essentials like first aid, a flashlight, warning triangle and maybe an emergency tyre inflator.
Conclusion
Regularly performing simple car safety checks is a proactive approach that can significantly extend the life of your vehicle while preventing unwanted mishaps on the road. These checks involve inspecting critical components such as tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels, as well as ensuring the proper functioning of essential systems like the steering and suspension.
Even in the unfortunate event of a breakdown, it is crucial to prioritize safety by following the correct procedures. Pull over to a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares if available which are especially useful at night. Keep your emergency kit handy, and a reflective vest. Contact roadside assistance or a trusted mechanic for help if needed. In case you bought a used car from CARS24 with the Platinum cover, you can benefit from CARS24’s national network of repair centres.
Ultimately, the habit of performing simple car safety checks regularly not only extends the life of your car but also enhances your safety on the road. Being prepared for breakdowns ensures you can handle unforeseen situations with confidence, minimizing inconvenience and keeping you and your passengers safe.
