Equipment You Must Inspect

To ensure the safety of passengers in your vehicle and other vehicles, you are required by law (R.I.G.L. 31-38-4) to maintain the serviceability of your vehicle and to comply with Rhode Island law with respect to equipment mandated by law.

Seat Belts: Properly worn safety belts can save lives. Lap and shoulder belts working together reduce the risk of death and serious injury by almost 50%. Safety belts will keep you from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects in your vehicle. Belts will also keep you inside your vehicle, which is really your only protection in a violent crash.

Airbags: When combined with the shoulder and lap belts, airbags can save lives. Children and infants should always ride in the back seats of vehicles equipped with passenger side air bags. Airbags supplement safety belts. Some motorists may have to move their seats back to establish a safety zone from a deployed airbag.

Tires: You may not drive on a tire that has less than 2/32 of an inch of tread (measure the depth of the tread with a quarter). Never mix and match tires on your vehicle (radial with bias-belted). Use your owner’s manual for a schedule of prescribed maintenance checks. In order to receive an accurate reading, measure your tire pressure while your tire is cold.

Brakes: Do not wait for the brake pedal to touch the floor before you schedule repairs. If while braking, your vehicle pulls to one side, or, the pedal feels spongy, follow the prescribed maintenance checks located in your owner’s manual. Note, the parking brake serves as a means of stopping a vehicle’s movement and therefore, it too must be in proper working order.

Steering: When you turn the steering wheel, there should be no play nor feel loose. If noises occur when you turn the wheel, it may be an indication you need power steering fluid. As with other fluid checks, your owner’s manual has scheduled maintenance suggestions for all fluids.

Lights: It is the responsibility of the motorist to check his/her headlights, taillights, directional, brake, backup, running, parking, and instrument panel lights to ensure they in fact work. It is also a good idea to clean the grime, dirt, and salt from all lights as you inspect the lighting system. Note: Certain lights must be checked with the assistance of another person.

Safety Sensors: As snow, ice, or salt grime gathers on cars in winter, many of the sensors that are key to the operation of advanced safety systems can become blocked and shut down. Remember to become familiar with the location of these sensors (if equipped) and check these sensors for obstructions.

Other equipment: Mirrors, mufflers, horn, and wipers are also important pieces of equipment in/on your vehicle that must be maintained and serviced on a regular basis.

Turn on the ignition switch in almost any car and watch the instrument panel. The modern automobile has an abundance of warning lights that provide valuable information. The list could include:

  • Brake system warning
  • Windshield washer fluid level
  • Engine coolant temperature
  • Brake fluid level
  • Door ajar
  • Headlamp door position
  • Check Engine (Emissions)
  • High beam indicator
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Low Fuel
  • Lamp Out
  • Seatbelt light
  • Cold engine warning
  • Turn signals
  • Charging system
  • Transmission temperature
  • ABS or Anti-lock Brake System indicator light
  • SRS or Supplemental Restraint System indicator light (Airbag)
  • Brake lining wear indicator light.
  • Traction control/Stability control
  • Oil Pressure Warning

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