Car-Safety Checklist That Takes Minutes to Complete

Planning an end-of-summer road trip? Before you pack those bags in the trunk, it pays to do a quick safety check to ensure you won’t hit any problems when you hit the road. In fact, you should get into the habit of doing one a few times a year.

This quick car safety checklist takes just minutes to complete:

Start off by checking your tires. Check the treads for uneven wear, which could indicate misaligned wheels, as well as any bald patches or bulges. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure. While you’re down there, check for any pools of leaking fluid under the car.

Check all fluid levels. This includes engine oil, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze and/or coolant, as well as power steering, brake and transmission fluids.

Even when your car is new, it could have bulbs that are faulty or burned out. Before you hit the road, make sure your lights are working by turning them on in a dark garage and seeing if they’re reflected. You could also have someone else walk around the car to ensure that all lights, including turn signals and rear lights, are functioning properly.

Windshield wipers can age quickly, especially if you keep your car outside. Make sure yours are working, and that when you squirt washer fluid the wipers actually clean your windshield rather than leaving a smeared mess.

Check your hoses and belts and make sure that none are cracked, brittle or frayed. Give your seatbelts a quick tug to make sure they lock and make sure your roadside assistance plan is currently active in case you run into any trouble.

At 4N6XPRT Systems, we understand the importance of vehicle safety. We’ve spent more than 20 years developing powerful accident reconstruction software tools like 4N6XPRT StifCalcs to help attorneys, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies establish fault in car accidents.