Car Maintenance Tips To Reduce Your Risks Of Accidents
Statistics show that there are around six million car accidents in the US each year, with close to 100 daily deaths and thousands upon thousands of injuries. These accidents can have a range of causes, from drivers who are operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol to those who fail to follow the rules of the road.
However, accidents aren't always down to bad driving or a lack of focus. Sometimes, mechanical faults and failures can impact a driver's performance, making fender benders and other issues more likely to occur. This is why car maintenance is so important, and it's vital for all drivers and car owners to keep up with regular car check-ups and make sure everything is in working order.
Even the slightest fault could lead to serious issues out on the road. Here are some examples of areas of your car you need to check regularly and the risks they could pose out on the road.
Headlights
If you want to avoid getting in an accident and having to contact a car accident lawyer to fight your case, checking that your lights are working properly and changing any broken bulbs is essential. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals too.
Before you set off for long journeys, make sure to check, usually with the help of a friend or family member outside the vehicle, that your lights are working correctly. If you're out on the road and one of your lights doesn't function properly, you may be unable to see clearly or unable to let other drivers know what you're doing.
Brakes
Another of the most important parts of your car to check regularly is the brakes, and this is arguably the most essential element of them all, as a fault with the brakes can massively increase your odds of a very dangerous, damaging accident.
Worn or unreliable brake pads can make it hard to stop out on the road or increase your braking times, while problems with the brake fluid may simply make it impossible to brake at all. If you have any doubt about your brakes, seek out the help of a mechanic and avoid taking to the road.
Wipers
In order to drive safely and securely, you need to be able to reliably see the road in front of you and the cars around you. On sunny, clear days, this might not seem like a problem, but the weather can change in an instant, and when the rain starts to fall, you need your wipers to work properly.
Wipers can sometimes have issues and fail to function correctly, preventing you from being able to see clearly. This can increase the odds of accidents, so be sure to check your wipers for any stiffness or issues, and make sure you regularly top up your windscreen washing fluid too, just in case you need to clean off any dirt.
Tires
Tires are another important part of your vehicle that need to be checked regularly for any issues in order to provide a smooth, safe driving experience, and having your tires checked regularly can also save you money in the long run too, as driving on low-pressure tires may lead to excess fuel consumption.
So be sure to check your tire pressure and keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Look out for any tears, holes, or weaknesses in your tires, and make sure to carry a spare tire, especially on long journeys, or you may find yourself stranded.
Fluids
There are various fluids that can be found around your vehicle and they all play key roles and functions in keeping everything running smoothly. Oil, transmission, and brake fluids all need to be treated with care and should be checked and filled up accordingly.
You can usually check most of the levels on your own, but if you have any doubts or just prefer a professional to take a look instead, contact your local mechanic. Low fluid levels can affect all kinds of things, from engine performance to brake reliability and more.
Conclusion
Safe, sensible driving is key for reducing your risk of accidents, but it's also important to take action when you aren't behind the wheel. Keeping your car in good working order and performing regular maintenance really can make a big difference in the long term, and it will also provide you with additional peace of mind every time you head out.