As motorists, road safety should always be our priority, whether we’re going to work, taking kids to school, doing a grocery run, or going for a long drive out of town. But even before we take our cars out of the garage, there’s a list we need to check: BLOWBAGETS.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) urges all vehicle owners and drivers to use “BLOWBAGETS” as a road safety reminder. But what exactly is BLOWBAGETS, and how can it help us to practice safety on the road? Let’s take a closer look at what it means!

What is BLOWBAGETS?
BLOWBAGETS is an acronym that stands for 10 things that every vehicle owner and driver should know before going on the road. It stands for “Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brake, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self.” Each of these things are crucial to driving safely:
Battery
Naturally, your vehicle won’t start with a dead battery; so the key is to optimize its use and to make sure that its in tip-top shape before you use it. This includes checking if it has a strong charge, the terminals are clean, and the cable-to-terminal connection is secure.
Usually, a car battery can last for up to three to four years. Take note of the last time that you had it replaced, so that you can remember to replace the battery again before it expires.
Lights
Every light in your car — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and turn signals — plays an important role in keeping the roads safe. These serve as signals to other motorists who are behind or in front of your car. If these are not working properly, it could lead to accidents and other unfortunate incidents.
Before you drive, see to it that your vehicle’s lights are functioning well. Check for any cracks or signs of breakage. Over time, the bulbs could get fainter and eventually burn out. If you’re not sure when to get them fixed, ask a mechanic to check them for you.
Another important thing to remember is to avoid using excessive lights, as this could only distract other motorists. What’s more, avoid using too much tint, as this could affect visibility when driving.
Oil
Oil acts as a lubricant for your vehicle’s engine components. When not well-lubricated, these parts could break more easily. Moreover, when there’s no more oil, the engine would stop working altogether.
From time to time, check the oil level on your car, and have it refilled when its below minimum level. Likewise, watch out for leaks; you don’t want your engine losing oil quickly. Doing an oil check every week or so would be a good idea.
Occasionally, your car would need to have an oil change. Keeping the oil fresh is essential; otherwise, contaminants that accumulate in the oil could damage your engine. Learn how to change oil, or have a mechanic help you if you’re not sure how to do it.
Water
The purpose of water is to prevent your vehicle from overheating. Make sure that there’s water in your radiator to keep the engine cool as you drive. In any case, don’t forget to store emergency water in your trunk; several one-liter bottles of water will do. When necessary, put water in the radiator to keep your engine cool.

Brake
We often hear about vehicular accidents caused by faulty brakes. To prevent this from happening, you must ensure that your car’s brake system is functioning properly. Check your brake pads, handbrake, and check the level of brake fluids, too.
Air
When we talk about air, this includes the air in your tires, as well as your air filter, which must be kept clean. As for the tires, keep in mind that they lose air over time. Check to make sure that they are inflated properly and have firm tire pressure.
Additionally, the letter “A” in BLOWBAGETS could also refer to your vehicle’s “accessories” — horn, wiper, seatbelt, spare tire, side mirrors, rearview mirrors, doors, windows, etc. Check these regularly for dirt, scratches, or any signs of damage.
Gas
Before going out, always check your car’s fuel gauge to ensure that you have enough fuel. The last thing you want is to run out of fuel in a place that’s far from any gas station!
Gas helps to keep your car running and functioning properly. It prevents moisture from building up, and keeps gasoline fumes from accumulating, too. So once again, check your fuel gauge regularly!
Engine
How can you keep your engine working properly? By checking your car’s fluids, and looking for leaks, which usually indicate engine problems. Furthermore, when you start your car, listen to the sound. If your hear any tapping noise, or any unusual sound, ask a mechanic to check your car’s engine.
Tire
As stated earlier, it’s important for your tires to be properly inflated and have firm tire pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge for this purpose. If your tires need more air, use a portable air compressor if you have one, or go to the nearest gas station to have them inflated. In addition, check your tires for any bumps, tears, punctures, nails, and other sharp objects that could cause damage.
If you haven’t used your car for some time, keep in mind that tires could still lose air… even when not in use. So again, check your tires regularly to see if they need air, repair, or a full replacement.
Self
Last but not the least, the letter “S” in BLOWBAGETS stands for “Self.” Remember that YOU are the most important part of all. Your personal health, alertness, and state of mind are important for your own safety… and those of your passengers.
There’s a reason why “distracted driving” and “driving under the influence (of alcohol or drugs)” is against the law. When a driver is distracted or unfit to operate a vehicle, this could lead to unfortunate accidents on the road. So before you go, make sure that your physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to drive! If you are feeling sick or tired, ask another person to take the wheel.
Furthermore, don’t forget to carry necessary documents at all times: driver’s license, LTO Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), insurance papers, and so on. You never know when you might need them!
Video: BLOWBAGETS Reminder
Here’s a short video from the official Facebook page of Land Transportation Office – Philippines to help you remember the BLOWBAGETS road safety checklist:
Final Thoughts
BLOWBAGETS, which stands for “Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self,” is a mnemonic device for making sure that your vehicles are fit and functioning properly. Be sure to include this checklist in your daily routine, as this not only prevents accidents, but ensures the safety of motorists and passengers.
Speaking of safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has embarked on an aggressive “seatbelt use” campaign recently. This is a timely initiative, especially since the number of road accidents last year was considerably high.