The five-minute walk-around
Start at the driver's door and work around the car. The numbers on the diagram match the list.
- Tires. Look for a tire that sits lower than the others, cuts, bulges or nails. Check pressure with a gauge once a month, when the tires are cold.
- Headlights and signals. Switch on the lights and walk to the front. Check low beams, high beams, both turn signals and the hazard lights.
- Windshield and wipers. Look for cracks in your line of sight. Wiper blades that streak or chatter are due for a change. Keep the washer fluid topped up.
- Under the car. Fresh drips or puddles where you park are worth a look. Note the color and where they come from, and ask a mechanic.
- Brake lights and rear. Ask someone to press the brake while you watch, or back up to a garage door or shop window at night and look in the mirror.
- Inside, before you go. Seat, mirrors and head restraint set. Belt on. Dashboard warning lights should go out after the engine starts.
Tires
Tires are the only part of the car that touches the road, so they matter more than almost anything else.
- Pressure. Use the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual. The number printed on the tire itself is a maximum. Check once a month and before long trips, with the tires cold. Pressure drops as the weather gets colder.
- Tread. Many states set a legal minimum of 2/32 of an inch. A quick check: put a penny into a groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of his head, the tread is very worn. Wear bars molded across the tread also show when a tire is at its limit. More tread helps a lot in rain and snow.
- Damage. Look for bulges, cuts, cracks and nails. A bulge in the sidewall can mean the tire could fail. Have it looked at right away.
- Spare. Check the spare's pressure too, or know where your car's repair kit is.
Lights
Check headlights, high beams, turn signals front and back, brake lights, tail lights and hazard lights. A helper makes it easy. Alone, you can back up toward a garage door or shop window at night and watch the reflection. Replace burned-out bulbs promptly. A dashboard message about a failed bulb is worth acting on soon.
Windshield and wipers
Small chips can spread into cracks, especially with temperature changes. Many can be repaired if caught early. Replace wiper blades that leave streaks or skip across the glass, and keep the washer reservoir full.
Fluids and leaks
Your owner's manual shows where to check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid, and how often. Only check coolant with the engine cold. A puddle or fresh drip under the car is worth noting: its color, where it is and how much. Bring that information to a mechanic.
Dashboard warning lights
Warning lights usually come on briefly when you start the car, then go out. A light that stays on is telling you something. Your owner's manual explains each symbol. As a general rule:
| Color | Usual meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | A serious problem or a safety issue, such as brakes, oil pressure or engine temperature | Stop safely as soon as you can and check the manual. Don't keep driving if the manual says to stop. |
| Yellow or amber | Something needs attention soon, such as tire pressure, a check engine light or an anti-lock brake fault | Check the manual and have it looked at. A flashing check engine light is more urgent. |
| Green or blue | A system is on, such as headlights or cruise control | Information only. |
Before a long trip
- Do the full walk-around, including the spare.
- Check that the car isn't due for service or past due for an oil change.
- Look up open safety recalls for your vehicle on the NHTSA recall site using your VIN, and get any fixes done. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
- Pack a basic kit: flashlight, first aid kit, phone charger, water and, in winter, the items in the winter guide.
When to see a mechanic. Brakes that squeal, grind or pull to one side, a soft brake pedal, steering that wanders, or new vibrations are all reasons to have the car checked by a qualified mechanic before you drive far.