What Should You Check Before Getting Into Your Vehicle?

Safe driving starts before you turn the key or press the start button. National Driver Training teaches new drivers to inspect the vehicle and its surroundings before getting in, making a brief safety check part of every trip.

Quick answer: Before entering your car, take a quick walk around the vehicle. Check whether all four tires look properly inflated and have usable tread, look for fluid leaks, and make sure no person, pet, or obstacle is behind or near the car. Look inside for anything unexpected. If you notice a possible safety problem, address it before driving.

NDT's pre-drive walk-around checklist

NDT introduces vehicle inspection in Level One: Building a Foundation — Risk Management. The purpose is straightforward: a driver should know whether the vehicle appears roadworthy and whether its surroundings are safe before moving it.

  • Tires: Check all four tires for obvious underinflation, damage, or worn tread. A closer inspection may be needed if something looks unusual.
  • Fluid leaks: Look underneath the vehicle for fresh or unexplained fluid. A leak may call for maintenance or further assessment before driving.
  • Behind the vehicle: Check for children, pets, people, low objects, or anything else that could be in your path when reversing.
  • Beside and ahead of the vehicle: Look for nearby obstacles, other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians that might be hidden from the driver's seat.
  • Inside the vehicle: Look through the windows for anyone or anything unexpected before opening the door.

Why is a walk-around important?

Once you sit behind the wheel, parts of the area immediately around your car can be difficult to see, even with mirrors or cameras. A short inspection gives you a chance to notice hazards that technology may not reveal and to recognize obvious problems with the vehicle itself.

It also builds the habit NDT emphasizes throughout its behind-the-wheel training: identify risks early instead of reacting after something goes wrong.

What should you do if a tire looks low or damaged?

Do not assume it is safe to drive. Check tire pressure using the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure, typically shown on the driver's doorjamb label, and look more closely for damage or excessive wear. If you suspect a flat, serious damage, or another unsafe condition, arrange for the tire to be inspected or repaired before driving.

Does every puddle under a car mean there is a leak?

Not necessarily. Condensation from an air-conditioning system can leave water underneath a parked vehicle. However, new or unexplained fluid deserves attention. Color, odor, location, and vehicle symptoms may offer clues, but a driver should not rely on guesses when deciding whether a vehicle is safe to operate.

Why check for people or obstacles behind the car?

Small children, pets, toys, low objects, and other hazards can be hard to see from inside a vehicle. Checking the space before entering gives the driver another opportunity to identify something in the intended path. Continue scanning and use mirrors and cameras as aids after getting in; a walk-around does not replace careful observation while moving.

What should you check after sitting in the driver's seat?

NDT teaches the memorable SMILE routine as the next step in getting ready to drive:

  • S — Seat: Adjust the seat for a comfortable position and full control of the pedals and steering wheel.
  • M — Mirrors: Set the mirrors for useful visibility before moving.
  • I — Interior: Check that the interior and controls are ready and nothing can interfere with driving.
  • L — Lock: Lock the doors.
  • E — Everybody: Make sure every occupant is properly buckled up.

These steps supplement the exterior walk-around. They do not replace checking for other traffic before pulling away.

How long should a pre-drive vehicle check take?

For a familiar vehicle in ordinary conditions, a basic visual walk-around is usually brief. Take additional time when the car has been parked for a long period, you notice a warning sign, or visibility and road conditions are poor. The goal is a consistent safety habit, not a rushed checklist.

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Frequently asked questions about checking your vehicle

Why should you walk around your vehicle before every drive?

A quick walk-around helps identify a vehicle problem or nearby hazard before you move. NDT teaches this as a foundational safe-driving habit.

Read the complete guide: Why Should You Walk Around Your Vehicle Before Every Drive?

What should you look for when checking the tires?

Look for visibly low or flat tires, obvious damage, and tread that appears excessively worn. If anything looks wrong, inspect it further and consult the vehicle manual before driving.

Read the complete guide: What Should You Look for When Checking Your Tires Before Driving?

What if you see fluid underneath the car?

A new or unexplained puddle can indicate a leak. Avoid guessing the fluid type or driving a vehicle that may be unsafe; have the issue checked when necessary. Water dripping from air conditioning may be normal.

Read the complete guide: What Should You Do If You See Fluid Underneath Your Car?

Why check behind and around a parked car?

Children, pets, people, objects, or another vehicle may be in the path of travel. A walk-around can reveal hazards that are difficult to see once seated.

Read the complete guide: Why Should You Check Behind and Around a Parked Car Before Driving?

Should you check inside the vehicle before entering?

Yes. Look through the windows for anyone or anything unexpected. If the situation feels unsafe, stay outside, move to a safe location, and seek help.

What should you do after you get into the driver’s seat?

NDT teaches its SMILE habit: adjust the Seat, Mirrors, and Interior; Lock the doors; and confirm Everybody is buckled up before driving.

Related driving knowledge resources

Sources and further reading

Published October 29, 2026. This article covers general safe-driving habits; consult your vehicle owner's manual for specific maintenance and safety instructions.