External checks include a 360 inspection of the vehicle, also called a circle check. In circle check, the operator walks around the car to check for the following items to ensure it is safe to operate:

Vehicle Check

Performing a vehicle check involves inspecting key areas:

Around the Vehicle:

• Look for visible damage and remove any obstacles.

Under the Vehicle:

• Check for fluid leaks and inspect tires for inflation, tread wear, and damage.

Inside the Vehicle:

• Ensure dashboard warning lights, controls, and gauges are working.
• Verify seats are secure and seat belts are functional.

A thorough vehicle check helps identify potential issues early, ensuring safer driving.

Headlights

Ensuring that both headlights are functioning correctly is essential for safe driving.

Driving with a damaged or non-working headlight is illegal and can compromise visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

Regularly check and replace headlights as needed to comply with the law and maintain safety on the road.

Brake Lights

Brake lights are vital for signalling other drivers when slowing down or stopping.

To ensure safety, test your brake lights regularly and confirm they work as intended.

Properly functioning brake lights help prevent rear-end collisions and keep you compliant with legal requirements.

Turn Signals

Turn signals are essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road.

Regularly check that all turn signals, including front, rear, and side indicators, function correctly.

Working turn signals ensures you can safely signal lane changes, turns, and other maneuvers, helping to prevent accidents and maintain road safety.

Wiper blades

Wiper blades are crucial for maintaining visibility during rain or adverse weather conditions.

Ensure that the wiper blades and the wiper fluid system function correctly.

If your wipers fail during rain, your visibility can be severely compromised, increasing the risk of accidents.

To ensure clear vision, regularly check and replace wiper blades as needed and keep the wiper fluid reservoir filled.

Check Tires

Ensure your tires are in optimal condition before driving:

Clear of Obstacles: Remove any debris or objects lodged in the tires.

Sufficient Pressure: Check and inflate tires to the recommended levels for better fuel efficiency, handling, and safety.

Adequate Tread: Inspect tread depth for proper grip using a tread depth gauge or the penny test.

Check for Damage: Look for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, or leaks that could cause tire failure.

Rotation and Alignment: Rotate tires regularly and ensure wheels are properly aligned to promote even wear.

Spare Tire: Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated.

Regular tire checks help maintain safety, improve performance, and prevent accidents.

Mirrors

Ensure mirrors are correctly adjusted and unobstructed for clear visibility:

Adjust Side Mirrors: Position to see the sides of your vehicle and adjacent lanes.

Adjust Rearview Mirror: Align to provide a clear view of the road behind.

Cleanliness: Keep mirrors clean and free from dirt, snow, or ice.

Unobstructed View: Remove any objects blocking your view through the mirrors.

Extend Side Mirrors: Fully extend for maximum field of vision, especially when towing.

Proper mirror adjustment and maintenance enhance safety and visibility.

Windows

Ensure your vehicle's windows are in good working condition:

Functionality: Verify all windows open and close smoothly.

Cleanliness: Keep windows clean and clear of dirt, smudges, and streaks.

Damage: Check for cracks or chips and ensure tinting complies with regulations.

Defrosting: Ensure defrosters work correctly to prevent fogging and ice buildup.

Regular window maintenance ensures clear visibility and enhances driving safety.

Moon roof

If your vehicle has a moon roof, ensure it is in good condition:

Operation: Verify it opens and closes smoothly.

Seals: Check for wear or damage to prevent leaks.

Cleanliness: Keep the glass and tracks clean.

Safety: Know the emergency closing procedure.

Regular maintenance ensures the moon roof functions properly and remains secure.

Door locks

Ensure your vehicle's door locks are functioning properly:

Test Locks: Verify all doors lock and unlock smoothly with keys and electronic controls.

Child Safety Locks: Check the functionality of the rear doors.

Remote Key Fob: Ensure the battery is charged and the fob works correctly.

Manual Override: Confirm physical keys can lock and unlock doors.

Regular checks maintain vehicle security and safety.

External Load

Ensure any load attached to your vehicle is securely fastened:

Secure Fastening: Check that straps and tie-downs are tight and in good condition.

Weight Distribution: Balance the load evenly and respect the vehicle's weight limits.

Visibility: Ensure the load does not obstruct the driver’s view or vehicle lights.

Regulations: Comply with local traffic regulations for size and securing methods.

Properly securing external loads ensures safe transportation and road safety.

Engine and exhaust

Ensure the engine and exhaust system are in good condition:

Exhaust Pipe: Check for and clear any debris around the exhaust pipe.

Engine Sounds: Listen for unusual noises from the engine, like knocking or hissing.

Visual Inspection: Look for leaks or damage around the engine and exhaust system.

Performance: Ensure the engine runs smoothly without stalling or misfiring.

Regular maintenance ensures efficient and safe vehicle operation.

Licence Plate in Ontario:

A licence plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle for official identification. It displays a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned by the vehicle registration authority, the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario.

New Requirements in Ontario

1. Automatic Renewals: Starting July 1, 2024, Ontario has introduced automatic licence plate renewals for eligible vehicles. If your vehicle has valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls, your licence plate will automatically renew 90 days before its expiry date.

2. No Physical Stickers: Since 2022, Ontario no longer requires physical licence plate stickers or the associated renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds.

3. Manual Renewal: If your licence plate cannot be renewed automatically, you will be notified and need to renew it manually online or at a ServiceOntario location.

Wire check

Ensure your vehicle’s wires are in good condition:

Inspect for Damage: Look for frayed or cut wires, and check for signs of rodent chewing.

Prevent Hazards: Damaged wires can cause short circuits and increase the risk of fires.

Regular Maintenance: Include wire checks in routine maintenance and seek professional repairs if needed.

Keeping wires intact prevents electrical issues and enhances safety.

Battery

Ensure your vehicle's battery is in good condition:

Connections: Verify all connections are tight and clean to ensure a solid electrical connection.

Indicator: Check for a battery level indicator; the battery may need recharging or replacement if it turns red.

Regular battery maintenance prevents breakdowns and ensures reliable operation.

Check for 5 F's

Remember to check these five essential areas to maintain vehicle safety:

Flats: Inspect tire pressure, condition, wear pattern, and tread depth.

Fluids: Check for leaks and ensure sufficient oil, radiator, and brake fluid levels.

Fractures: Look for cracks or damage on the windshield, wipers, mirrors, body, lights, and exhaust system.

Filth: Keep the windshield, roof, Licence plate, mirrors, exterior lights, and surrounding ground clean.

Freedom: Ensure no obstructions like garbage, bicycles, children, pets, vehicles, or animals are around the vehicle.

Regularly checking these areas helps maintain vehicle safety and performance.