AARP Smart Driver

www.aarp.org/drive Vehicle Companion Guide 5 VEHICLE PART WHY CHECK WHAT TO CHECK WHEN TO CHECK Brakes They may not stop you fast enough to avoid a collision. X They may pull the vehicle to the side when stopping. X Failure to fix brakes is unsafe and can lead to more costly repairs. X If you repair brakes when a problem first appears, it saves costly repairs later. DRIVER CHECKS X Pedal pressure (pedal when pushed should stay well above the floor) X Vehicle pulling to the side when brakes are used X Scraping and squealing noise MECHANIC CHECKS X Brake pad/lining wear and fluid leaks DRIVER CHECKS X Every time you start the engine X Every time you drive MECHANIC CHECKS X When driver thinks something is wrong Engine/Tune-Up Vehicle may lose power that is needed for normal driving and emergencies. X Poorly tuned engines reduce gas mileage. X Engine may not start. DRIVER CHECKS X Signs of less power (lugging) X Hard starting X Gas mileage shouldn't be allowed to drop more than 2 miles per gallon MECHANIC CHECKS X Plugs and ignition system X Wiring and timing X Fuel system DRIVER CHECKS X Every time you drive X Every few fill-ups MECHANIC CHECKS X Every 10,000 miles, or X Every 12 months (if possible, before winter) Cooling System Engine may overheat or freeze. X Prevent unnecessary engine wear and serious engine damage. DRIVER CHECKS X Cracked or broken hoses X Loose belts X Insufficient levels of anti-freeze coolant X Radiator rust X Leaks from the engine or from hoses DRIVER CHECKS X Several times a year X Before and a er the winter season MECHANIC CHECKS X Every 12 to 24 months; or X Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles Oil and Oil Filter Prevent excessive heat, engine wear and serious engine damage. DRIVER CHECKS X Oil level and miles driven since last checked MECHANIC CHECKS X Oil and oil filter for cleanliness DRIVER CHECKS X Every time you fill up, or per your owner's manual MECHANIC CHECKS X Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (gasoline engine); or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (diesel engine); or every 12 months, depending on manufacturers' recommendations Headlights X Clean headlights improve your night vision up to 90%. X Even with good lights, at 50 mph, you can see only about 4 seconds ahead. X A dead headlight may keep you from seeing a stalled vehicle or a sharp curve in time. X An out-of-line light can shine where it doesn't help you and may blind other drivers. DRIVER CHECKS X Burned-out bulbs X Dirty lenses MECHANIC CHECKS X Headlight alignment DRIVER CHECKS X When you fill up with gas X A er driving on wet or muddy roads X Shine the lights on a wall before driving at night. Make sure that both high and low beams are working. MECHANIC CHECKS X Twice a year and as needed Brake and Signal Lights X Brake lights tell others that you are stopping. X Signals tell others what you are about to do. DRIVER CHECKS X Burned out bulbs MECHANIC CHECKS X Wiring and sockets DRIVER CHECKS X When you fill up with gas MECHANIC CHECKS X Twice a year Windows and Windshields X Dirty windows make it hard to see. X Scratched, cracked, or dirty glass can increase glare and make it hard to see. X Damaged glass can break even in a minor collision. DRIVER CHECKS X All glass inside and out to make sure it is clean X Scratches and cracks to see if glass needs to be changed X Windshield wiper fluid level to make sure there is a sufficient amount DRIVER CHECKS X When you fill up with gas X Every time you drive X Whenever you check under the hood Tires X Worn or bald tires lessen overall control and increase stopping distance, especially on wet surfaces, sand, and gravel. X Unbalanced tires and low pressure can cause dangerous tread wear. X Unbalanced tires cause the steering wheel to shake. X Low air pressure cuts down on gas mileage and vehicle control. X Worn tread or underinflation contribute to hydroplaning. DRIVER CHECKS X Test air pressure when tires are cold. (Inflate to pressure as recommended by vehicle manufacturer.) X Treadwear indicators X Wear patterns for unusual wear MECHANIC CHECKS X Tire balance, alignment, wear, and damage DRIVER CHECKS X Once a week X In walk-around when preparing to drive MECHANIC CHECKS X Twice a year or during a tune-up or oil change VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

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