Pre- and Post-Driving Routines You Need to Make a Habit Of

Paulo Abad

Lifestyle News Tips

Feb 04, 2020

Most people might not realize it, but maintaining certain sets of routines before or after driving is extremely important. Not only could these checks ensure yours and your passengers’ safety while driving, but it could also prolong the life of your sweet ride. If you’re unfamiliar with these routines, then read on below to learn them.

Pre-Driving Routine

  1. Walk around your vehicle to give it a quick pre-driving inspection.
  2. Inspect your car’s BLOWFATCH (Brakes, Battery, Belts, Leaks, License, Lights, Oil, Water, Wiper, Washer, Fuel, Fluids, Accessories, Tires, Tools, Car Documents, Cleanliness, Horn, and Hose) to see if they’re all in order. In case one or more of these components is off, best take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair.
  3. Make sure the doors are locked and the windows are closed before unlocking the driver’s door and entering your ride.
  4. Once inside the car, adjust the driver’s seat according to your desired driving position. You must be able to reach all the controls and switches with ease.
  5. Also adjust the rearview and side mirrors so you can see clearly what’s behind and beside your auto.
  6. Fasten your seatbelt (No need to explain why this is important).
  7. Place the key in the ignition keyhole, turn the key clockwise until it’s in the Start position.
  8. Once the engine is running, allow the key to spring back to the On position.

Post-Driving Routine

  1. Park your beloved car properly. Always park based on the correct direction of the flow of traffic on the road.
  2. Make sure that your gear shifting lever control is at the “Neutral” position before engaging the parking brake.
  3. Turn off all lights (in case you were driving during nighttime), air conditioning system, radio, power windows, and other electronic devices of your ride.
  4. Switch off the car engine.
  5. Place the gear shifting lever to Gear 1 (for manual transmissions) or Park (for automatic transmissions) when parking on a flat or an uphill surface. That way, your auto would be able to complement the parking brake in making sure it stays stationary.
  6. Lock the steering wheel by turning either to the left or right before pulling out your car key. This would depend on the road incline.
  7. Upon getting off your vehicle, make sure that all the windows are closed and all the doors are locked. Best use your ignition key to lock the driver’s door to avoid accidentally leaving it inside.
  8. Walk around your vehicle and give it a quick post-driving physical inspection.

Turn These Routines Into a Habit

Performing these pre- and post-driving checks is a good way to ensure safety on the road. So best if you learn the routines above and make a habit out of them.