Checks performed with the vehicle on the ground

Vehicle identification

Vehicle license plates must be in good condition and securely fastened. The inscriptions on them must be clear.

The inscriptions on the plate (A) identification and label? (IN) must be clear.

Electrical equipment

Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the horn.

Check the operation of the washer and windshield wipers. Replace damaged or deformed brushes. Also check the operation of the brake lights.

Check the operation of the side lights and license plate lights. Lenses and reflectors must be securely fastened, clean and undamaged.

Check the operation and direction of the beams of the headlights. The headlight reflectors must not be stained and the lenses must not be damaged.


Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the direction indicators (including indicators on the dashboard) and alarm operation. Turning on the side lights and brake lights should not turn on the direction indicators - if this happens, the reason is poor grounding in the rear lamp unit.

Check the operation of the rear fog lights, as well as the corresponding indicator on the dashboard or on the switch.

Foot brake

Check the master cylinder, brake hoses, and booster unit for leaks, corrosion, or other damage.



The brake fluid reservoir must be secured and the fluid level in it must be between the top (A) and bottom (IN) marks.

Inspect both front brake hoses for cracks or cracked rubber. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and make sure that the hoses do not touch the wheels, tires, suspension parts or the steering mechanism. Depress the brake pedal and, without releasing it, check the hoses for swelling or pressure leaks.

Steering and suspension

Have an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side until the wheels begin to turn. Check that there is no excessive play between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, which would indicate excessive wear or poor fastening of the steering column connections, the coupling connecting the column to the steering mechanism, or the steering mechanism itself.

Now let the assistant turn the steering wheel more vigorously from side to side so that the wheels just begin to turn. Inspect all hinges, rods and steering gear mounts. Replace parts that show signs of wear or damage. On vehicles with power steering, check the condition of the power steering pump, drive belt and hoses.

Make sure the vehicle is approximately level and at normal height above the ground.

Shock absorbers

Press each corner of the car in turn, then release it. The vehicle should lift and then return to its normal position. If the car continues to rock up and down, or does not return to its original position at all, then the shock absorber is faulty. The cause of the malfunction may be, in particular, jamming in the shock absorber.

Exhaust system

Start the engine. When your assistant covers the muffler pipe with a rag, check the system for leaks. Repair or replace failed sections.