Fluids

It’s important to check various fluids in your car on a regular basis to maintain their level and condition. Where applicable turn the ignition on, perform the necessary checks and turn the ignition off.

Engine Oil

Confirm your car has enough engine oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, and inserting it into oil to see if the level is close to full. If you need to add more oil, recheck the level afterward to ensure there’s no leak.

You’ll also need to change your oil periodically — follow the manufacturer guidelines to determine how frequently you need to do this. During your safety check, though, it’s worth checking the condition of the oil. If it appears dirty or has become thick, you need to change it now. More concerning is oil with grey colouration or a milky appearance. This could indicate that water is mixing with the oil, which requires urgent attention.

Coolant

Verify the level of radiator coolant. It’s essential to wait for the engine to be completely cold before you do this to avoid accidents. Refill with a mixture appropriate for your vehicle and climate. In addition, check the condition of the coolant to ensure it’s clean — indicated by a bright colour. If there are any signs of oil in the coolant, a cylinder head may have cracked or you may have a leaky gasket.

Other Fluids

Your car also has several other fluids you need to check and top up on a regular basis. All cars need their brake and windscreen washer fluids to stay close to full. Plus, depending on the type of car, you may have clutch, automatic transmission, or power steering fluid. Where applicable turn the ignition on, perform the necessary checks and turn the ignition off.

Emergency Kit

Even if you’re proactive with maintenance, your car could break down. Worse still, you could be involved in an accident. Prepare for all types of unexpected situations by equipping your car with an emergency kit. This should be made up of several components.

First Aid Supplies

One aspect of your emergency kit should be first aid supplies. Make sure you have all the essentials, including bandages, disinfectant, and any medications you might need if you are stranded for some time. If you already have a first aid kit in your car, check that all the items are still in good condition and nothing is past its expiry date.

Tools

Another critical component of your emergency kit is a set of tools. Check if your vehicle features these: a tyre iron, a jack, screwdrivers, and a spare tyre (if equipped). Confirm that everything is still usable — the last thing you want is to find out something is in poor condition when you need it most. A lot of current model cars, and a few Subaru variants do not come with a spare tyre.

Safety Devices

Some final items to include in your emergency kit fall under the category of safety devices. These include a fire extinguisher, torch, and reflective triangles.

Regular Professional Servicing

Although there are many items on this vehicle inspection checklist, nothing requires specialist knowledge. However, there are several potential problems that you would be unable to detect yourself. For this reason, it’s important to receive regular professional vehicle servicing in addition to following this car safety checklist.

Choosing a Safer Vehicle

Some cars are designed with safety in mind — such as all the cars from Subaru. In addition, to make your journeys that much safer, all Subaru drivers in Australia receive access to Subaru Certified Collision Repairers and the Roadside Assistance Program. These collision and roadside services will help you get back on the road again. Find a dealer for your next purchase.

General Information

This article is general in nature. Always refer to your owners’ manual for vehicle and manufacturers’ details and specifications.

Vehicle Safety Checklist

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