Today at Berkeley Lab: INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE FOR SAFETY!

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE FOR SAFETY!

A properly maintained vehicle is safer, performs better, uses fuel more efficiently and saves you money. You can help by doing your own equipment safety checks between annual inspections, and by following a program of regular vehicle maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.

Seat Belts

Inspect for proper operation

Brakes

Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, pulling, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.
Check for:

Brake pedal reserve (pedal does not go all the way to floorboard)
Brake pedal fade - brake must hold for one minute without fading
Brake master cylinder - check for leakage and proper fluid level
Parking brake operable
Brake equalization - test vehicle for a straight stop without significant wheel pull

Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame, Wheel Fasteners

Steering wheel play - check for excessive free play
Power steering - check operation, condition of belt, and for leakage
Shock absorbers - Springs and torsion bars - Chassis/frame – excessive sway, bounce, pulsations and amplification of road vibration in steering wheel, and excessive abrasive or vibration noises

Wheels and Tires

Have your tires rotated in accordance with manufacturers recommendations
Check wheels and fasteners for missing lug nuts, damage to rims or spokes
Check sidewalls for any fabric break or cut, visible bumps, bulges or knots, and any restricted use designation on the tires
Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires "cool down" first
Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping
Take note when driving if vibrations or pulsations are felt in the steering wheel or if the vehicle tends to pull to one side or the other
Take your vehicle to a professional if you note any irregularities in the above

Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses (to prevent scratching, never use a dry rag)

Headlights (low and high beam).
Stop (brake) lamps
Directional signals
Backup lights
License plate lights
Hazard warning/four-way flasher
Directional signal indicator

Windshield and Other Glass

Check for pitting, cracks and holes

Windshield Wipers

Check condition. A dirty windshield reduces visibility and causes eye fatigue. Replace cracked and worn blades and refill windshield washer solvent.

Horn

Check operation.

Mirrors

Check mirror mounting, and for cracks, breaks, or discoloration

Emergencies - Carry some basic tools-ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares or reflectors, a flashlight, and a cell phone.