Whether you are borrowing a friend’s car, renting a ride for a trip, or using a work vehicle, one rule never changes. You must check the car before you move it. A quick two minute inspection can save you from accidents, embarrassment, and costly repairs that someone may try to blame on you. Here are the five most important checks you should make every single time.
1. Check the Engine
Oil Level
Never assume the owner
is maintaining the car. Low oil levels can destroy an engine faster than
anything else on this list. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, insert it again,
then check the level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks
and the color should not look burnt or muddy. If the oil is bad or too low, do
not move the car until it is corrected.
2. Check the Tires
for Proper Inflation
Your tires are the
only thing touching the road. If they are underinflated, overinflated, or
visibly damaged, you are risking poor handling, blowouts, or unnecessary fuel
consumption. Do a quick visual inspection. If the tire looks low, soft,
cracked, or worn unevenly, take it seriously. A simple gauge check can prevent
an emergency on the road.
3. Check the Brakes
Before you drive out,
test the brakes at low speed in the compound or parking area. If the brake
pedal feels soft, sinks too easily, makes a grinding noise, or vibrates,
something is wrong. Driving a car with faulty brakes is one of the biggest
safety risks you will ever take. If the brakes feel suspicious, do not pretend
it will get better on the road.
4. Check the Lights
and Signals
You need working
headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. Even if you are driving
during the day, a faulty indicator or brake light can put you at risk. Quickly
test everything. It takes less than 30 seconds but it protects you from
accidents and from being stopped by law enforcement for something you did not
cause.
5. Check the
Coolant and Temperature Warning
Open the bonnet and
check the coolant level. Low coolant is one of the fastest routes to
overheating, and overheating can ruin an engine beyond repair. Also keep an eye
on the dashboard temperature gauge before moving. If the car is already heating
up before you start driving, park it and walk away. Borrowed or not, an
overheating engine will not forgive you.
Final Advice
Never rush when
entering a car that is not yours. You do not know the maintenance habits of the
owner. A simple two minute inspection can save you from accidents, breakdowns,
and arguments about who damaged what. Responsible drivers check their cars and borrowed
cars with the same discipline.
If you ever need safe,
genuine engine oil or help checking your car before a trip, Autoadventures
is one message away.
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