Preparing the car for departure

Before leaving, check the technical condition of the car. You will spend no more than ten minutes, but you will be sure that the systems and assemblies of the car are working. The check must also be carried out during the daily operation of the car, even if it seems to you that everything is working flawlessly. Part of the work can be done while the engine is warming up, saving a few minutes.

1. Approaching the parking lot, pay attention to whether there are any oil or operating fluids under the car. If possible, fix the leak before leaving.

2. Walk around the car. Check the following:

• set of removable parts (wiper blades, exterior mirrors, etc.);
• integrity of body glass, headlight lenses and lanterns. Do not put off replacing broken diffusers. Replace cracked body glass as soon as possible;
• tire condition. Radial tires have soft sidewalls, so tires with rated inflation pressure look flat. Remember their appearance (draft). At least once a month, check the air pressure in the tires and, if necessary, bring it up to the recommended pressure for this type of tire. The difference in pressure values is within 0.2-0.3 kgf / cm² may impair the handling characteristics, smoothness of the vehicle and lead to unwanted skidding or skidding under braking. Due to the reduced pressure in the tires, the tread wears out faster and more fuel is consumed;
• presence and condition of license plates.

Attention! Headlights, sidelights, taillights and license plates must be clean.

3. Check the oil level in the engine crankcase and top up if necessary.




4. Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir of the hydraulic brake system and clutch release...



5.... and the level of coolant in the expansion tank. If necessary, add fluid to the norm.



6. Check the operation of the parking brake. To do this, raising the lever all the way, count the number of clicks. If there are more than 8 clicks, the parking brake must be adjusted.




7. Check up serviceability of a sound signal.

8. Check the operation of the headlights, rear lights, additional brake light and direction indicators. Replace defective lamps (see Lamp replacement).



9. Check the operation of instrumentation.



10. Check the operation of the windshield wipers and washers..




11.... fluid level in the washer reservoir. Add fluid to reservoir if necessary.



12. Before driving, be sure to check the operation of the brake system with the vehicle stationary by pressing the brake pedal.



13. If the pedal is without resistance «failed» to the floor, then the brake system is faulty. The operation of such a vehicle is prohibited.

Note. Before a long trip and after a long break in operation, check the condition of the spare wheel, complete the car with tools and accessories.

Make a decision if there is a problem (subject to the requirements of the Rules of the road) about starting a trip or repairing a car.

All checks are described in detail in the Daily maintenance subsection.