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. Walk around the car. Check the following:

• set of removable parts (wiper blades, outside mirrors, etc.);
• integrity of body glass, headlight lenses and lanterns. Do not put off replacing broken diffusers. Replace cracked body glass as soon as possible;
• tire condition. Radial tires have soft sidewalls, so tires with rated inflation pressure look flat. Remember their appearance (draft). At least once a month, check the air pressure in the tires and, if necessary, bring it to the recommended level for this type of tire (see «Wheel check»). The difference in pressure values in the tires of one axle within the range of 0.2-0.3 kgf / cm² can degrade the handling parameters, 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;
• presence and condition of license plates.

Warning: Headlights, fog and tail lights, indicators and turn signals, license plates must be clean.

3. Check the oil level in the engine crankcase and top up if necessary (see «Checking the level and adding oil to the lubrication system»).



4. Check the levels of brake fluid in the reservoir of hydraulic brake and clutch release (see «Checking the level and topping up the brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir»)...



5....and coolant in the expansion tank (see «Checking the level and topping up the coolant»). If necessary, add fluid to the norm.




6. Check up level of a working liquid in a reservoir of the hydraulic booster. Adjust it if necessary (see «Checking the level and topping up the working fluid in the power steering reservoir»).



7. Check the operation of the parking brake (see «Checking the parking brake»).

Note: The Chevrolet Cruze uses a self-tensioning or self-adjusting parking brake cable system.

8. Check the sound signal,

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

10. Check the operation of instrumentation.

11. Check the operation of the wipers and washers...



12.... as well as the liquid level in the washer reservoir (see «Checking the level and adding fluid to the washer reservoir»). Add fluid to reservoir if necessary.




13. 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 car with tools and accessories.

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