Exterior Checks

• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior lights, or other parts of the vehicle.  -  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.  -  Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.  - When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel or wheel components. • Make sure the hood is securely closed.  - If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked. • Make sure the tires are in good condition.  -  Check air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.

• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.  - There are blind spots from the inside.

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing. Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder. You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in the hole. Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under the hood, causing a fire. If you've parked your vehicle for an extended period, inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.

    See also:

    Side Airbag Off Indicator
    If the side airbag off indicator comes on, have the passenger sit upright. A few seconds after the passenger is sitting properly, the side airbag will automatically be turned on, and the indicat ...

    Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -Required Federal Explanation
    Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflat ...

    Reporting Safety Defects
    In the U.S. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ...