[jims69camaro]

i have a feeling you will be checking your lug nuts from now on...

(cliff's notes down at the bottom)

it's a good idea for all of us. there is what they call a (pre- and post-) trip inspection for semi trucks that has to be performed every single time before you get behind the wheel and once you stop. most people forget about it after they get their CDL, but it's a good idea even in a car. that way when the cop pulls you over claiming that you have a taillight out, you can tell him you just checked them before leaving the house, so it must have just happened (wink, wink).

things to check before driving: bulbs, turn signals, headlights, four ways, brake lights; check the tires and lug nuts (one easy way to tell if a lug has worked itself loose is a slight trickle of rust colored, dried water running from the lug (which is steel) and the bolt (which is steel) because if they are torqued properly water can't get in there); tires; brakes; emergency brake; start the car and listen for anything out of the ordinary; make sure your floor mats are in the proper place and secure so they don't get stuck in the accelerator pedal.

we are so used to just jumping in our cars and putting gas and oil in them that we forget there are a thousand other working parts that need attention from time to time.

one time the trip inspection caught a brake (air) that was about to fail (1/2 inch wrench on your person at all times in just such a case to back the caliper off of the brake (laymen's terms)) that would have made a mess outta me, my co-driver and anyone else within 3 football fields (the amount it takes to stop an 80,000 pound truck).

anyway, CLIFF'S NOTES: check stuff before you drive to avoid potentially dangerous situations.