Small Reminders Make a Big Difference
We get it: when you've been driving for a while, you're bound to forget some things. You remember to strap yourself in, sure, but everything that comes after that is pretty intuitive. But are you certain you're not missing any steps? While we're not saying you need to have an elaborate pre-drive checklist each time you get behind the wheel, you might be skipping more preparation than you think. Test yourself: how many of these 20 things do you often forget to do?
1. Adjust the Seat After Someone Else Drives
If someone else has used your car recently, make sure you double-check the seat position before pulling away. You don't want to be making adjustments when you're in the middle of traffic—that could put you, your passengers, and other road users in danger.
2. Recheck the Mirrors
Another thing that might be adjusted by other drivers sharing your car is the mirrors. Before setting off, make sure the rearview and side mirrors give you the coverage you need from your normal seating position. This is another thing you don't want to be fiddling with while you're on the road.
3. Fasten the Seat Belt Before Moving
Most drivers reach for their seat belts automatically, but there's sometimes a temptation to start rolling while you're still buckling up. But not only does that split your attention, it also leaves only one hand available. Strap yourself in first, then get the show on the road.
4. Set the Navigation Before Leaving
Need to get somewhere unfamiliar? Enter the address before you start driving—it's much safer and takes considerably less attention than trying to do it while the vehicle is moving. Plus, doing it while your focus is on the road may lead to you punching in the wrong destination.
5. Put the Phone Somewhere Secure
It's tempting to leave your phone near you, but doing so makes it easy for the device to slide onto the floor during a turn or sudden stop. Place it in a mount, or better yet, keep it stored away from your direct line of sight if you know you're easily distracted.
6. Checking Blind Spots
Blind spot mirrors only do so much. The best way to check if you're in the clear is to actually turn your head and look over your shoulder. It's an easy habit to neglect when traffic seems light, and especially if you have nifty gadgets to "help" you, but it's the number one thing you should never forget to do.
7. Signal Before Making the Move
Some drivers don't actually activate their turn signal until they're already carrying out their maneuver. But at that point, your signal isn't even doing anything. Signaling a few seconds beforehand (keyword there) tells other road users what your intentions are.
Karen Radley Volkswagen on Pexels
8. Look for Pedestrians Before Turning
Traffic may be clear enough for a turn, but the crosswalk might be busy. Drivers often focus so much on finding the right gap that they overlook pedestrians crossing the street they're about to enter. You shouldn't need us to remind you to always check the entire path of the turn before proceeding.
9. Turn On the Headlights
Most drivers rely on their headlights turning on automatically, but systems can fail, and they may sometimes make the wrong decision. Different weather conditions can call for different settings, and a sudden drop in visibility might not activate lights immediately, so be careful not to become overreliant on technology.
10. Clear Snow from the Entire Vehicle
Scraping snow is a tedious job, but just cleaning the windshield isn't enough after heavy snowfall. Snow left on the roof, hood, lights, or rear window can interfere with visibility or come loose once the car reaches higher speeds. Clearing the whole vehicle might take a little longer, but it prevents those problems once you're underway.
11. Check the Fuel or Battery Level Before a Longer Drive
It's easy to become accustomed to ignoring the gauge when most trips are only a few miles long. But if you're going on a longer journey, make sure to check your levels before departure. That'll give you time to plan convenient stops instead of searching when your remaining range is already low.
12. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
You might not think about it often, but your tires can gradually lose pressure. Because the change happens slowly, you could be blindsided until the pressure becomes significantly low. Checking periodically, including the recommended pressure listed for your vehicle, helps you stay on top of the game.
13. Look at the Tire Tread
Pressure isn't the only tire condition worth monitoring, though. Tread can wear unevenly, and damage can develop between routine service appointments. A visual inspection now and then can reveal a problem before you discover it during a drive.
https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels
14. Check the Spare Tire
Since spare tires often sit untouched for years, many drivers never think about their condition until they truly need them—only to find them flat. Just as you should check the health of your current wheels periodically, you should also keep an eye on your backup equipment.
15. Refill the Windshield Washer Fluid
Another thing drivers tend to forget about? Washer fluid. Because road salt and grime can quickly reduce visibility, it's not safe to drive with a dirty windshield. Keeping the reservoir filled means the system is ready whenever you need to clean off any gunk.
https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels
16. Replace Wiper Blades Before They Become Useless
Did you know that your wiper blades can deteriorate gradually? Well, now you do. When they do, they'll make telltale signs, like streaking, skipping, squeaking, or leaving sections of water behind. If you suspect yours are wearing out, swap them out beforehand. You don't want to deal with broken blades in heavy rain.
17. Check That All Exterior Lights Work
You can see whether your headlights are illuminating the road, but failed brake lights or turn signals aren't always so obvious, especially from inside the car. To avoid accidentally confusing other road users, do a periodic walkaround.
18. Keep Up with Fluid Checks
Engine oil gets plenty of attention, but vehicles depend on many other necessary fluids that drivers rarely think about. Depending on the car, specific systems may also require inspection or servicing at appropriate intervals. To avoid accidentally forgetting about these items, follow your manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
19. Remove Unnecessary Weight from the Trunk
What's in your trunk? Sure, trunk might rhyme with junk, but you don't want to take that literally. Carrying unnecessary weight can reduce efficiency, and unsecured objects may bump around as the vehicle moves. Every so often, take a look through the cargo area and take out whatever no longer needs to be there.
20. Apply the Parking Brake When Appropriate
Many drivers shift into Park and never think about the parking brake, especially if they drive an automatic. Don't let that be you. Leaving your transmission gear to do all the work can quickly wear it out, so always engage your hand brake with it. Just remember to disengage it before driving away, since that's another surprisingly easy step to forget.
