Roadwise States Louisiana Driving lessons Pre-trip vehicle checks Louisiana driving lesson · Vehicle Safety
Pre-trip vehicle checks A 3-minute lesson from the Louisiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Vehicle Safety
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 49, 50 A quick routine catches problems before they strand you or cause a crash. The handbook suggests checks every week and every month, plus a walk-around and a cockpit check every time you drive.
Know the rule
If engine coolant, oil, battery water, tire pressure and condition, and lamps haven't been checked in the previous week, check them or have them checked. Correct any defect that affects safe operation as soon as possible.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Weekly checks: Tire pressure within the range listed on the tire Tread at least 1/16 inch deep; even wear; no dry rot, bumps, bulges or separation Oil level within the dipstick range; radiator level OK on the overflow tank Battery terminals free of corrosion or leaks; no fluid leaks in the engine compartment Headlight, taillight and signal lenses uncracked and working Horn works; fuel cap present and fits Seat belts free of unusual wear or broken parts Handbook p. 49 ↗ Monthly checks: Mirrors and windows for cracks, and the windshield in the wiper area License plate readable, reflective and undamaged Brake lights and emergency flashers working Wiper blades clean without streaking Spare tire, jack and emergency equipment usable Power steering, brake, transmission, oil and battery fluids in range Handbook p. 49 ↗ Know the rule
Safety first: let the engine cool and set the parking brake before making any checks under the hood.
Handbook p. 50 ↗ Know the rule
Take used oil and batteries to proper facilities rather than discarding them, and don't abandon a car that stops running; it can be donated.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Before getting in: Check tires for low pressure, flats or worn tread Look for leaks under the car Make sure mirrors, signals, head, tail and brake lights are clean and unbroken Walk around: look in front, under and behind for objects in your path Notice children standing or playing nearby Never drive impaired Handbook p. 50 ↗ Before starting the engine: Clean the windows and remove anything blocking your view Adjust the seat, head restraint, and inside and outside mirrors Close and lock all doors Put the car in park or neutral Make sure everyone is correctly belted Check that the gauges and wipers work and there's washer fluid Be sure you're mentally and physically ready to drive Handbook p. 50 ↗ Put it into practice
Filling up on Saturday, you notice a bulge on a tire's sidewall and the tread looks nearly smooth. That fails the weekly check: tread must be at least 1/16 inch and tires free of bulges. Get the tire replaced before driving on it.
A useful reminder Weekly: tires, fluids, lights, horn, belts. Monthly: glass, plate, brake lights, wipers, spare.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the minimum recommended tread depth to check for on your tires? 1/16 of an inch 1/2 inch 1/4 inch 1/32 of an inch Answer: 1/16 of an inch
The handbook recommends ensuring at least 1/16 of an inch of tread depth.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Which of these is a suggested weekly vehicle check? Replacing the transmission fluid Checking tire pressure and tread Rotating all four tires Checking the spare tire and jack Answer: Checking tire pressure and tread
Tire pressure and tread depth are listed as suggested weekly checks.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Which of these is listed as a suggested monthly, rather than weekly, check? Checking tire pressure Checking for fluid leaks Checking mirrors and windows for cracks Checking battery terminals for corrosion Answer: Checking mirrors and windows for cracks
Mirror and window inspection is part of the suggested monthly checklist, while tire pressure and fluid leaks are weekly.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Before starting the engine, you should always: Leave the doors unlocked for a quick exit Shift into drive with your foot on the brake Adjust the seat once you are moving Adjust seat and mirrors; buckle everyone Answer: Adjust seat and mirrors; buckle everyone
These checks should happen before starting the engine, as part of getting ready to drive.
Handbook p. 50 ↗ When checking your engine compartment as part of a pre-trip inspection, you should first: Start the engine and let it idle Let the engine cool; set the parking brake Open the radiator cap while warm Release the parking brake Answer: Let the engine cool; set the parking brake
Safety first: let the engine cool and set the parking brake before checking under the hood.
Handbook p. 50 ↗ How often does the handbook suggest checking headlight, tail light and turn signal lenses for cracks? Monthly Every six months Once a year Weekly Answer: Weekly
Checking that lenses for headlights, tail lights and turn signals are not cracked is on the suggested weekly checklist.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Previous lesson Air bags & other safety features Next lesson Seat position, starting & efficient driving About the source Roadwise’s Louisiana course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 49, 50. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
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