Car Maintenance Can Prevent Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Drivers can eliminate one of those reasons with effective car maintenance. Failing to maintain your car however, can lead to serious and unnecessary vehicle problems which can greatly increase the likelihood of getting into an accident. So what can you do to maintain your car and keep yourself safe on the roads?
In order to effectively maintain your vehicle you must continuously check the vehicle components listed below. Click here for a detailed checklist of how often each part should be checked.
Tire Care
A flat or worn down tire can lead to disastrous consequences on the road. A sudden loss of tire pressure can result in uncontrollable swerving and ultimately, an accident. Taking the time to check tire treads and pressure periodically and before long trips can save your life. If you find bald spots, punctures or other problems with your tires, it is critical to take your car in and receive the necessary replacements. In addition, if your tire pressure is low, you should add air on your own or go to a station where you can receive assistance.
Vehicle Lighting
In order to check whether all your lights are working, it is helpful to ask someone to check when you turn on your car. If you unaware that your brake or signal light is out, you may be putting yourself in danger. You should have any bulbs that have gone out replaced immediately.
Visibility
It is crucial to periodically check that your windshield wiper blades are working. If you have wiper blades in both the front and back of your vehicle, you should make a point of checking both. If your wipers are worn or otherwise not functioning properly, you will have difficulty seeing the road in adverse weather conditions. It is also important to replace a windshield with cracks.
Engine Checks
A car’s engine needs to be in good condition to run properly. You should be on the lookout for cracked or bulging hoses and replace them before they burst. Fluid levels and your car battery also need to be checked. When inspecting the battery look for loose wires, brackets and bolts. If you find any problems during the inspection, do not let the problem linger. It is important to go to a repair shop or dealership and have the issue examined.
Drips and Leaks
A vehicle in good condition should not be leaking. When checking for potential leaks pay close attention to pooling or dripping liquids signal a leak. Different colors indicate different types of leaks. Specifically, green fluid comes from antifreeze, black spots usually mean oil and pink, red or brown drops usually suggests transmission fluid. If you find a leak, have it inspected at a repair shop immediately.
With that said, while vehicles in good repair should not have fluid leaks, hot summer weather is the exception. In that weather, water condensation may drip after the air conditioner has run for a long period of time. This is not problematic however, and should be expected.
Conclusion
Taking the preventive measures listed above might take some time, but those measures could also save you from getting into an accident, and ultimately, save your life. Accidents can occur in any number of ways, but failing to maintain your car should not be one of them. It is in your control to maintain your car. Don’t make excuses and say you will get to a problem later because you could be putting your life in jeopardy. Taking a little extra time can make a big difference.
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