It is basic procedure to have your car checked on a scheduled basis, i.e., weekly, monthly, or even annually. However, it is also essential to create a habit of checking your car on a daily basis. Aside from giving you peace of mind throughout the day, it also lets you know at once if there is any basic repair that needs to be made.

Here are the things you can do for at least five minutes a day to check your car:

Before you go inside the car

o Check your external auto parts like wheels and tires. Here, you are checking for cuts, abrasions, or flat tires.

o Look under the car and see if anything is leaking. It could be water, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and so on.

o Examine the car’s body and windows for any damage.


While you are inside the car

o Check your fuel reader. Make sure that you have enough fuel for the day. Make it a standard to have your fuel tank at least a quarter full.

o Check your side and rearview mirrors and adjust them if necessary.


After starting the car; before you set off

o Test all the lights in and outside the car. These include the headlights, taillights, signal lights, fog lights, and so forth.

o Check the windshield wipers. You’ll never know when it’s going to rain or when a bird dropping will hit your windshield. So take a few seconds to check if your windshield wipers are in shape.

o Listen carefully for any unusual noises. If you hear something strange, try to look for the source of the noise. If you can’t determine what’s wrong, you may need to have your car checked by a professional.

o Make sure that the brakes are working. This is very important. Before you take off, gently press the brake pedal just to be sure they are functioning.

(Hyperlink removed, TomG)


(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Feb 5, 2009, 9:17 AM)