Check and bring to normal: – engine oil level (it should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the dipstick);
- coolant level in the expansion tank (it should be slightly below the "MAX" mark on the expansion tank);
- the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir (it should be slightly below the "MAX" mark on the master cylinder reservoir).
Without closing the hood (cover it in case of rain or snow), get behind the wheel. Pull the carburetor choke control handle all the way out. Turn the ignition key and start the engine.
During warming up, inspect the engine again, make sure there are no leaks of fuel, oil, or coolant. Listen for any new suspicious sounds in the engine operation.
Close the hood, but before starting to drive, check the operation of the headlights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, horn, windshield and rear window wipers and washers, interior heater, and rearview mirror adjustment.
When you start moving, check the operation of the brake system. To do this, drive literally 2-5 m, very sharply and as hard as possible press the brake pedal. It is useful to get out of the car and look at the tire prints on the ground or asphalt - this is how you check the simultaneity of the wheel braking. Stop the engine and start it again, pressing and holding the brake pedal: if the pedal goes down slightly after starting the engine, the brake booster is working. Try pressing the brake pedal a few more times: if it does not become "soft" after testing (the brake hose did not break, the brake cylinder did not fail) and does not become "harder" with each press (there is no air in the system), you can start your trip.
For the first 15 minutes, try not to turn on the music in the car, but listen to the sounds made by the car. By the way, it is also useful to do this at the end of the trip before parking the car or putting it in the garage.