It is a good idea to review the safety check before starting out on a trip. a few minutes of checking can help ensure safe and pleasant driving. Just a basic familiarity with your vehicle is required and a careful eye! Or if you would like, your Toyota dealer will be please to make this check for you at nominal cost.

CAUTION: If you make this check in an enclosed garage, make sure there is adequate ventilation. engine exhaust is poisonous.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

Outside the vehicle.

Tires

Check the pressure with a gauge and look carefully for cust, damage, or excessive wear.

Wheel nuts

Make sure no nuts are missing or loose.

Fluid leaks

After the vehicle has been parked for a while, check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or fluid. (Water dripping from the air conditioner after use is normal.)

Wiper blades

Look for wear or cracks.

Lights

Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signals and other lights are all working. Check the headlight aim.

Inside the vehicle.

Spare tire, jack and wheel nut wrench

Check the tire pressure and make sure you have your jack and wheel nut wrench.

Seat belts

Check that the buckles lock securely. Make sure that the belts are not worn or frayed.

Horn

Does it work?

Instruments and controls

Especially make sure that the warning lights, instrument lights, and defroster are working.

Wipers and washer

Make sure that they both work and that the wipers do not streak.

Brakes

Make sure that the pedal has enough clearance. (See Checking the Brake Pedal Clearance.)

Spare fuses

Make sure you have spare fuses. They should cover all the amperage ratings designated on the fuse box lid.

In the engine compartment.

Coolant level

Make sure that the coolant level is correct. (See Checking the Engine Coolant Level.)

Radiator and hoses

Make sure that the front of the radiator is clean - not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs. Check the hoses for craks, kinks, rot and loose connections.

Battery and cables

All the battery cells should be filled to the proper level with distilled water. Look for corroded or loose terminals and a cracked case. Check the cables for good condition and connections.

Wiring

Look for damaged, loose or disconnected wires.

Brakes and clutch fluid levels

Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid levels are correct. (See Checking the Brake and Clutch Fluid.)

Engine drive belts.

Check all belts for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness. apply thimb pressure between the pulleys. The deflection of each belt should be within the specified limits. (See Checking the Engine Drive Belts.)

Fuel lines

Check the lines for leaks or loose connections.

AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE

Exhaust system

Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change in the sound of the exhause or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and correctied immediately. (See Carbon Monoxide Warning)

Automatic transmission fluid

Check the dipstick with the engine idling and the selector lever in "P". (See Checking Automatic Transmission Oil.)

Power steeing fluid

With the engine idling, give the steering wheel several end-to-end turns and check the fluid level. (See Checking the Power Steering Fluid.)

Engine oil level

Stop the engine and check the dipstick with the vehicle parked on a level sot. (See Checking the Engine Oil Level.)

WHILE DRIVING

Instruments

Make sure that the speedometer and gauges are working.

Brakes

At a safe place make sure the brakes do not pull.

Anything unusual?

Look for loose parts and leaks. Listen for abnormal noises.