Make sure the safety belt reminder light (if equipped) and all belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.

Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement and Windshield and Wiper Blades for more information.

Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. Part C tells you what to use.

Lubricate all exposed surfaces such as door checks, door lock bolts, lock strike plates, door hinge bushings, latches, and dovetail bumper wedges. Where oil holes are provided, a dripless oil can be used. The seat adjusters, seat track, door weatherstrips, and rubber cap bumpers should also be lubricated. Part C tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

Park on a fairly steep hill and hold the vehicle with the parking brake only. This checks holding ability.

Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brakes.

Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P), if equipped, or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. On manual transmission vehicles, the starter should work only when the clutch pedal is all the way down.

Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen.

Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal front tire wear or steering wheel position. An inspection or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are strange sounds when turning or parking.

Be alert to illumination of the low air warning lamp or for the tone alarm, or changes in braking action, such as repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when braking or increased brake pedal travel. Make sure air brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full system air pressure, and check system for leaks. Any of these conditions could indicate the need for brake system inspection and/or service.

Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system may be leaking. Have it checked and/or repaired at once. Refer to Engine Exhaust and Running the Vehicle While Parked .

Check operation and condition of the wiper blades. Check the flow of the washer spray.

Move the control to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI or the high symbol. Then check the airflow from the ducts at the inside base of the windshield.

Check that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors in place.

When adjusting a manual seat, be sure seat adjusters latch by attempting to move the seat after latching.

Check panel lighting, warning lights, indicator lights, and interior lamps. On the outside, check: license plate lamps, sidemarker lamps, reflectors or lights on outside mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps, identification and clearance lamps, taillamps, brake lamps, turn signals, backup lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have headlamp aim checked at once if beams seem improperly aimed.

Look for broken, scratched, dirty, or damaged glass, mirrors, lamps, or reflectors that could reduce the view or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean or repair promptly.

Check that doors close, latch, and lock tightly. Check for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.

Check that the hood closes firmly. Check for broken, damaged, loose, or missing parts that might prevent tight latching. Make sure the secondary latch (if equipped) keeps the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released.

Check for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks by looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for awhile.

Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal, and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system. At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Take care to clean well any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.

Check that the cab's engine cover and seal (if equipped) are not torn or damaged. Be sure that the cover is clamped down firmly to the floor.