Yes, checking the oil is very inportant. I tought daughter #1, before starting the car, to check under the hood first. oil, water, look at the brake reservor for proper level, look at the belts, look for any leaks. as you are walking up to the car look under it for any new leaks, wet spots under the car. take a visual of the tires before zooming off, just some basics. It is the little things that will get ya.
another thing when stopping behind another vehicle, stop so the rear bumper doesn`t dissapear from your line of sight. the way these new vehicle are you can`t see anything past the dash the way they slope off. I like the MB for the long hood out front.
using the hood star to guide distance to the edge of the road, curb etc... works. turn the pass mirror down so they can see the side of the car to the edge of the road, and using the star guided on the white sholder stripe (If there is one where you live) will teach the new driver (or old) distance. will help to keep down curb rash and side wall scrubbing on the curbs.
the 123 is one of the best cars for sight clearance w/o blind spots than a lot of these new vehicles.
the best way to blind someone, is place a windshield in front of them.
Charlie