Vehicle Safety and Equipment
Lights and visibility
Your vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, mirrors, and windshield wipers. Use headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced by rain, fog, snow, or smoke - headlights help others see you as much as they help you see. Use low beams in fog, rain, and snow, because high beams reflect off precipitation and make things worse. Dim high beams when meeting oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle closely. Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, and the roof before driving.
Tires, brakes, and restraints
Check tire pressure and tread regularly; worn or underinflated tires lengthen stopping distance and invite blowouts. Brakes should be firm, not spongy, and the parking brake should hold the car. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and passengers, and children under eight need an approved child restraint or booster. Motorcycle riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Pre-trip checks and warning signs
Walk around the car: look for low tires, leaks, burned-out bulbs, and objects behind the vehicle. Adjust seat, head restraint, and mirrors before moving. Warning signs that need attention include a pulling steering wheel, grinding brakes, a soft pedal, flickering lights, or an overheating gauge.
Worked example: Your temperature gauge climbs into the red. Pull off the road safely, shut off the engine, and let it cool before checking coolant - never open a hot radiator cap.
Trap: driving with parking lights only, using hazard flashers as a rain substitute, or assuming a newer car needs no checks.