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
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
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
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.