subject: Take These Steps In Order To Ensure That Your Vehicle Is Functioning Properly [print this page] Night time arrives faster around this time of the year. Depending on where you live, it might rain or even snow soon. Before it gets too dark and the nights too cold, take some time to make sure your car is safe. Taking proper care of your car will help your vehicle from breaking down on the road.
Some individuals will be even commuting in the dark. Now is the time to make sure your front lights and brake lights are in working order. There are two ways to take care of this. One method is enlisting the help of a friend. Sit in the car and have your friend stay outside. Turn on your headlights and have your friend or spotter check if the lights are turning on like they are supposed to. Then proceed to turn on your high beams and have your spotter check. Turn on both of your signals. Have you spotter make a note of anything that is not in working order.
Direct your spotter to stand in the back of your car and turn on the headlights again. Your tail lights should light up. Proceed to engage the brakes. The brake lights should come on. Follow the same procedure for your turn signals. Lastly with your parking brake on, put your car in reverse and make sure the appropriate lights are activated.
If you don't have anyone to check for you, you can do these same tests by parking your car in a dark garage or near a large wall. You may have to test the front first and then reverse to test the rear lights.
Wiper blades are another item that you might want to check. Replace them if there are any signs of wear or cracking. Open up your hood and check your wiper fluid. Then turn on your wipers and test the washer feature. It can be quite dangerous to drive around with a dusty and dirty windshield.
Since you have the hood open, check your radiator fluid as well as brake and power steering. Look for any cracked tubes or leakage areas and bring these to the attention of a professional mechanic or the dealer. If you are a do it yourself mechanic you probably already have a schedule for your maintenance. I find using daylight savings time as a good way to remember to get the car in shape for the winter season.
You might also want to take a look at the spare tire inside the cargo trunk. Make sure it is full of air and the pressure is correct. Also make sure your jack is in working order and all parts are present. Do you have a roadside safety kit? A few items to include are a good flashlight, jumper cables, road flares or a safety triangle and a blanket. The blanket I use is for two purposes. One if you are stranded you can stay warm and two if you need to change a flat and you are wearing nice pants or a suit, you can lay the blanket down to keep yourself clean. Remember the chains too if you reside in an area where it snows frequently.
Taking these steps and preparing yourself in advance is a good way to prevent your car from breaking down in the middle of the road.
