Most drivers just ignite their cars and take off. But that is a mistake, especially if you care about keeping your vehicle in good condition as long as possible. The following are three things that you should do before you drive off and start your day.

First: Check Your Tires

The first thing you want to check before you drive off is that your tires are properly inflated. You also need to make sure that they are not too worn. This is important because a recent study showed that worn tires and under-inflated tires can cause you to have a vehicular-related accident.

You can easily check this by using the penny method. All you have to do is insert a penny (Lincoln's head down) into the treads of your tires, and make sure that the top of Lincoln's head is covered. If it's not, you need new tires. 

To check your pressure, you need a pressure gauge and the tire specifications located in your owner's manual or the plate under the driver's side door. Insert the gauge into your tire's air valve and read the gauge. You can purchase a gauge in your local auto parts store, or ask your auto care special about one.

Be sure to check when your tires are cold, which ensures an accurate reading.

Second: Check For Leaks

Leaks can cause several issues, depending on what the leak is. So check for the following leaks:

Transmission Leak

You can tell you have a transmission leak if the fluid on the ground has a reddish hue. This type of leak can cause your transmission to overheat, which can cause irreparable damage. You could also experience slippage or poor acceleration

Oil Leak

An oil leak can cause poor engine performance, as the engine won't have enough oil for lubrication. You may also experience engine misfires due to this type of leak. You can tell that you have an oil leak if the fluid on the ground is black.

Coolant leak

This type of leak is the easiest to spot, as the fluid is usually green-like or blue-like. A coolant leak can put your radiator in danger of overheating, and your whole car as well.

You should have your auto care specialist deal with any of the aforementioned leaks as soon as possible.

Third: Letting It Warm Up

The last thing you want to do is let your car warm up, especially during cold days. The fluids inside your car tend to thicken when it's cold, making it harder for them to pass through your engine compartments. You will be putting extra strain on your vehicle. And you may even create small clogs.

Let the car warm up for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and drive off slowly until your car has reached optimal warmth. You should let your car warm up for up to 5 minutes in extreme cold temperatures.

As you can see, there are a few things that you can do before taking off each morning. For more information, contact a business such as Steven & Francine's Complete Automotive Repair Inc.