Preparing the car for departure

Before leaving, check the technical condition of the car. You will spend no more than ten minutes, but you will be sure that the systems and assemblies of the car are working. The check must also be carried out during the daily operation of the car, even if it seems to you that everything is working flawlessly. Part of the work can be done while the engine is warming up, saving a few minutes.



1. Approaching the parking lot, pay attention to whether there are any traces of oil or operating fluids leaking under the car. If possible, fix the leak before leaving.

2. Be sure to check the air pressure in the tires and, if necessary, bring it to the recommended for this type of tire. The difference in pressure values within 0.2-0.3 kgf/cm² can degrade the handling parameters, ride smoothness of the car and lead to unwanted skidding or drifting when braking. Due to the reduced pressure in the tires, the tread wears out faster and more fuel is consumed.

3. Walk around the car. Check the following:

– completeness of removable parts (wiper blades, exterior mirrors, etc.);

- the integrity of the body glass, headlight lenses and lanterns. Do not put off replacing broken diffusers. Replace cracked body glass as soon as possible;


- the condition of the tyres. Radial tires have soft sidewalls. Tires with nominal inflation pressure appear to be flat. Remember their appearance (draft);

- the presence and condition of license plates.

WARNING: Headlights, sidelights, taillights and license plates must be clean.

4. Check the oil level in the crankcase and top up if necessary.

5. Check the levels of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir and coolant in the expansion tank. If necessary, add fluid to the norm.

6. Check up level of a working liquid in a reservoir of the hydraulic booster. Bring it up to standard if necessary.

7. We recommend that you check the oil level in the gearbox if possible and add oil if necessary.

8. Check the operation of the parking brake. To do this, raising the lever all the way, count the number of clicks. If there are more than eight clicks, the parking brake must be adjusted.

9. Check up serviceability of a sound signal.

10. Check the operation of the headlights, rear lights, additional brake light and direction indicators. Replace defective lamps (cm. «Lamp replacement»).

11. Check the operation of instrumentation, windshield wiper and washer.

12. Before driving, be sure to check the operation of the brake system with the vehicle stationary by pressing the brake pedal. If the pedal without resistance «failed» to the floor, then the brake system is faulty. The operation of such a vehicle is prohibited.

NOTE: Before a long trip and after a long break in operation, check the condition of the spare wheel, complete the vehicle with tools and accessories.

Make a decision if there is a problem (subject to the requirements of the Rules of the road) about starting a trip or repairing a car.

All checks are described in detail in the subsection «Daily Maintenance (EO)».