Periodic Safety Checks You Should Perform Outside the Vehicle

Tires

Inspect the tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect the sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check the tightening torque of the wheel nuts/bolts. Check the tires (including the spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of the brake lights and exterior lights while you operate the controls. Check the turn signal and high beam indicators on the instrument panel.

Door Latches

Check that the doors close, latch, and lock properly.

Fluid Leaks

Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if you smell gasoline fumes or suspect a fuel or brake fluid leak, immediately locate and correct the cause.