developing your smart driving skills Pre-trip check Even if you’re in a hurry, you should always check your vehicle  to make sure it’s safe to drive. The pre‑trip check doesn’t take  long, and will soon become a habit. It will help prevent a  vehicle breakdown. Your pre‑trip check will help you feel confident that your vehicle  is safe as you set out for your destination. However, to ensure  good maintenance, you need to do a more thorough check  every few weeks. How often you do the periodic check will  depend on how much you drive. Use the following checklist to keep your vehicle in good running order: Periodic check Checklist ❏  Is the engine oil at the proper level? Is it clean? ❏  Is the radiator coolant topped up? ❏  Do you have enough washer fluid? ❏  Is the brake fluid level okay? ❏ Is the power steering fluid level okay? Are the other fluid  levels okay? • Do you know your  route? Use a map if  necessary. • Do you have enough  time? It pays to allow a  few extra minutes. Just as you check the  safety of your vehicle  before starting out, check  your planning: driving tip 24 Use this illustration as a guide when you do a pre-trip check. Area in front: clear of obstacles? Ground: free of fluid and oil patches? Lights and turn signals: clean and  working? Rear-view and side mirrors: adjusted to reduce blind spots? Glass: clean front and back? Area behind: clear of obstacles? Rear lights: clean and working? Fuel: enough? Tires: in good condition, with plenty of tread, no cuts or bulges? Brakes: working well? Wipers  and washers:  working properly? Seat, head restraints and seatbelts: all adjusted?