Automobile Maintenance for Safety
While only a small percentage of automobile accidents can be blamed solely on vehicle maintenance issues, it still makes good sense to make sure that any part that could cause trouble on the roads is addressed before that happens. Here we offer some auto maintenance tips with the goal of accident avoidance. Examples of maintenance items that could lead to a collision include tire blowout, faulty or worn brakes, electrical issues, or engine failure.
Check the Tires
Probably the most common maintenance-related problem that can cause an accident is a tire blowout. Tires are the vehicle’s first line of defense against a collision. Tire quality is especially important when driving in severe weather conditions such as ice, snow, or heavy rain. Do not ignore your vehicle’s low tire pressure warning light, but don’t depend on it either. Check your tires frequently for signs of degeneration such as sidewall cracks and uneven tread wear. In cold weather, tires lose pressure, so make sure the tires are inflated to meet the manufacturer’s specifications, which can often be found on a label near the driver’s side door. If you are leery of inflating your own tires, most tire sellers such as America’s Tires or Les Schwab will check the pressure and inflate them for you free of charge.
Make sure the Electrical System is in Good Order
Regularly inspect your car battery for signs of wear, such as cracks in the wiring or corrosion near the terminals. A dead battery can leave you stranded anywhere. Faulty electrical issues can cause erratic operation while driving or lead to a vehicle stall.
Replace the Wiper Blades
This is an easy and inexpensive task to complete at the start of each rainy season. Wiper blades work best when there are no cracks or uneven wear. Wiping icy windshields can cause a breakdown in the rubber, as can exposure to the harsh summer sun. In addition to fresh blades, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off with a recommended product to help keep the windshield free from debris and streaks.
Watch the AntiFreeze
When winter arrives, and the weather is colder, an underperforming antifreeze can cause engine problems and affect the performance of the vehicle’s defroster and heater. Be sure you are using the antifreeze that is recommended for your particular vehicle. Check the plastic reservoir to view the fluid level. Remember to never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as scalding liquid could erupt and cause burns.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Rubber has a limited lifespan and is prone to breakdown. This is especially true in regions with extreme weather conditions. Both freezing temperatures and very high heat can accelerate rubber disintegration. Look for signs of wear, including cracks, frayed belts, or soft spots in hoses. Certain vehicles still have a timing belt that can cause extensive engine damage if it snaps during vehicle operation.
Maintain Fluid Levels
We all have heard horror stories of the demise of a vehicle’s engine because the owner never checked or replaced the oil. Motor oil is essentially the “blood” of the machine. Other fluids such as those found in the transmission, power steering, and brake areas are crucial as well. Newer vehicles usually have fluid reservoirs that allow for a quick look a the levels. You can top off at home, but be sure to use a fresh, unopened container to avoid contamination.
Brakes
Obviously, if the vehicle brakes are not in top working condition, that can present a safety hazard. This is especially true in adverse weather conditions. Traveling with worn brake pads can lead to damaged rotors. Other problems, such as brake fluid leaks, could result in a catastrophic brake failure on the road.
Keep Lights in Working Order
Making sure headlights, turn signals, and taillights are all functioning correctly is crucial in accident avoidance. Clearly, a car without headlights on a dark evening presents a considerable safety hazard, but even misaligned lights can present a danger if they cause glare to another driver or don’t properly illuminate the road ahead.
Though keeping a vehicle properly maintained will not safeguard a driver from every type of accident, it does reduce certain risks.
Watch the YouTube Video: Auto Maintenance – Safety Reliability and Longevity
North Highlands Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands personal injury lawyer. If an automobile accident resulted in injury to you or a loved one, please call my office for free, friendly advice at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400.
I have had the pleasure of working with residents of North Highlands for 38 years. Please review our case settlements and trial verdicts or follow the links below to read what our clients have to say about our firm:
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Image: pixabay user Fabianne Sibbio
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