Before embarking on any journey, conducting a pre-drive safety check is essential to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition and to guarantee your safety and the safety of others on the road. At Vikas Driving School, we emphasize the importance of this practice during our driving lessons. Here’s a comprehensive guide to performing a pre-drive safety check:
Prioritize safety with Vikas Driving School. Learn essential skills and best practices to ensure safe driving on every journey.
Silde.1) Pre-Drive Safety Check
1. Check the Exterior of the Vehicle
Start by walking around your vehicle to inspect for any visible damages or issues:
Tires: Ensure all tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Check for any traces of wear or holes.
Lights: Check that all lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights, are functioning correctly.
Windows and Mirrors: Ensure windows are clean and free of cracks. Adjust mirrors to ensure optimal visibility.
Leaks: Look underneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, or brake fluid.
2. Check Under the Hood
Next, open the hood to inspect the engine compartment:
Fluids: Check levels of essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top up if necessary.
Battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and secure, and check for any signs of corrosion.
Belts and Hoses: Inspect belts and hoses for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks.
3. Interior Checks
Once the exterior and under the hood have been inspected, move to the interior of the vehicle:
Seats and Seatbelts: Ensure seats are adjusted to your comfort and all seatbelts are functional and fastened securely.
Dashboard Indicators: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine. Check that all warning lights illuminate briefly and turn off, indicating that the vehicle’s systems are operational.
Mirrors: Adjust rearview and side mirrors to provide clear visibility.
Slide. 2) Performing Pre-Drive Safety Check
The applicant is Study to identify and operate Vehicle Controls:
1. Turn Left/Right Indicated on/off
2. Headlights on/off
3. High Beam on/off
4. Braze and Brake Lights (Apply Brake, Indicate Light at rear of the Vehicle)
5. Hazard Lights
6. Windscreen Washes and Wipers
7. Blow Horn (Softly)
Note (If you Fail to Satisfy the above Requirements, you may not be Permitted to undertake the Drive Test)
Slide. 3) Performing Pre-Drive Safety Check
Identify Handbrake
The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, is a crucial component for securing your vehicle when parked. Here’s how to identify and properly use the handbrake:
Location
Lever Type: In most vehicles, the handbrake is located between the driver and passenger seats. It typically consists of a lever that you pull up to engage.
Pedal Type: In some vehicles, particularly those with automatic transmissions, the handbrake may be a pedal located on the far left of the driver’s footwell.
Usage
Engaging the Handbrake: Pull the lever up (or press the pedal down) firmly to engage the handbrake. Ensure it is fully engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Releasing the Handbrake: Push the button on the lever’s end and lower the lever (or press the pedal again) to release the handbrake.
Note (If you Fail to Satisfy the above Requirements, you may not be Permitted to undertake the Drive Test)
Slide. 4) Pre-Drive Safety Check
Identify “Do Not Brake” Situations (Windscreen Demister, Rear Demister)
Understanding when not to brake is essential for maintaining control of your vehicle and ensuring safety. Here are common situations where braking should be avoided, and how to use demisters effectively:
Windscreen Demister
Purpose: The windscreen demister helps to clear condensation or frost from the front windshield, improving visibility.
Usage: Turn on the windscreen demister before starting your journey, especially in cold or humid conditions. Avoid braking abruptly while the demister is working to prevent distractions.
Rear Demister
Purpose: The rear demister clears the rear windshield, ensuring a clear view of the road behind you.
Usage: Activate the rear demister as needed, particularly during cold weather or rainy conditions. Ensure the rear window is clear before driving, and avoid unnecessary braking while the demister is active.
Slide. 5) Pre-Drive Safety Check
Start the Engine
Starting the engine properly is a fundamental skill taught at Vikas Driving School. Follow these steps for a smooth and safe engine start:
Steps to Start the Engine
Ensure Gear in Neutral/Park: Before starting the engine, make sure the gear lever is in the neutral position (for manual transmissions) or park position (for automatic transmissions).
Press the Clutch/Brake: For manual transmissions, press the clutch pedal to the floor. For transmissions with automatics, press the brake pedal.
Turn the Key/Ignition Button: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “Start” position, or press the ignition button if your vehicle has one. Release once the engine starts.
Headlights: Turning on Low Beam Proper use of headlights, particularly the low beam, is crucial for driving safety, especially in low visibility conditions. Here’s how to turn on the low beam headlights:
Steps to Turn on Low Beam Headlights
Locate the Headlight Control: The headlight control switch is typically located on the dashboard or the turn signal lever.
Turn the Switch: Rotate the headlight control switch to the low beam position, usually indicated by a symbol resembling a headlight with downward-pointing lines.
Check the Dashboard Indicator: Confirm that the low beam indicator light on the dashboard is better, indicating the headlights are on.
Driving Lesson
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