Pre-trip inspections are essential to ensuring your vehicles are safe to drive. In fact, performing a walkaround check before beginning any journey should be part of every driver’s daily routine, reducing the chance of accidents and breakdowns, and helping minimise downtime.
The Ten Most Important Vehicle Checks Before Driving
Although the specific checks required will vary depending on the type of vehicle, the following information may give you an insight into some of the things that may be checked as part of an overall vehicle inspection and maintenance routine.
Disclaimer: The following is not an exhaustive list of vehicle checks. You should always check the laws and regulations applicable to your vehicle in your specific country and region.
- Glass and Mirrors
Check that you can see clearly through the windscreen, side windows and rear windows and that they are not cracked, scratched or discoloured.
Mirrors should be inspected to make sure they are securely in place and not obscured, damaged or have any missing glass.
- Windscreen Wipers and Washers
It is important to make sure that the windscreen wipers work as they should and that they are not damaged, worn or missing. Check that the windscreen washer is functioning correctly and that the fluid is topped up.
- Instruments, Gauges and Warning Lights
Ensure there are no warning lights and that the vehicle’s instruments and gauges are functioning correctly.
- Steering and Horn
Does the steering wheel move as it should? Check that there is no excessive play and that the power steering works properly. In addition, try the horn to make sure it functions correctly.
- Brakes
Always check that the brakes operate properly and that the parking brake works. There should be no oil leaks.
- Seatbelts
Do all the fitted seatbelts securely fasten? Check that they operate correctly and have no damage such as cuts or fraying. Seatbelts should stay securely plugged in, retract against you when in place and fully retract when released.
- Lights and Indicators
Turn on all lights and indicators to ensure they work correctly. Brake lights (stop lamps) should come on when you apply the brakes and go out when they are released. Check that all lights, lenses and markers are fitted, clean and in the right colour.
- Oil, Fluids and Fuel
Make sure that oil and fluids are at the correct levels. Turn on the vehicle’s engine and check underneath to ensure there are no leaks. In addition, the fuel filler cap should be correctly fitted.
- Battery
Check the battery, making sure it is in good condition, securely fitted and not leaking.
- Tyres and Wheels
Check tyres to make sure they are correctly inflated to the correct pressures, have no deep cuts in the sidewalls, and have no visible cord. Inspect each wheel to make sure it is securely fitted and that the wheel nuts are tight enough.
Vehicle Checks Before Driving
As we said at the beginning of this blog, performing basic vehicle checks before driving is an essential part of making sure a vehicle is fully safe and roadworthy. Although not an exhaustive list, these checks should only take a few minutes and are essential for helping ensure safety and compliance.
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