Each time you get into your car or truck, do you feel as if your vehicle is going to get you where you need to go?
While millions of vehicles are on the nation’s roads in tip-top or good shape, others can’t say the same. If your vehicle is in that latter group, you put yourself and others in danger. From faulty tires to bad lights, your vehicle could be an accident waiting to happen. When this is the case, improving your driving skills can take a backseat.
So, how often should you check your vehicle to make sure it is firing on all cylinders?
Do Regular Maintenance Inspections of Your Car or Truck
In order for your vehicle to be as safe as it can be, give it regular maintenance checks with your area mechanic.
Among some of the things to look for on a regular basis:
- Tires – Not only is keeping your tires at the proper level important, check the tread. The tread plays an even bigger role when the weather turns to rain and snow. If you have minimal tread available, it makes it more difficult to stop. It only takes a split-second where you have to hit the brakes to avoid an accident. In the event your tires are not where they should be with wear-and-tear, you could very well hit someone.
- Brakes – In dealing with the brakes, don’t wait until you hear grinding noises to get them checked out. As with your tires; your brakes are what keeps you from getting in an accident more times than not. By letting your brakes wear down over time, the chances of an accident will increase. You will also be stuck with a higher repair bill when the time comes to have to fix them.
- Lights – Having a burnt taillight or headlight is something that many drivers can miss. Unless another driver points it out or you get stopped by law enforcement, you may very well not know a light is out. Once you do get the alert, make sure you get it replaced. Even one light not working can lead to an accident over time in a new or used vehicle.
- Fluids – From your oil to the many others fluids making your vehicle go on a daily basis, keep an eye on them. For instance, your oil running low could make your vehicle come to an abrupt stop in the middle of traffic. If this happens, you could get rear-ended. When such accidents happen, there can be serious injuries and vehicle damage. By topping off the fluid levels, you reduce the chances of something bad happening.
If You Have Vehicle Issues
In the event your car or truck has a breakdown away from home, will you get to a safe location?
In some cases, drivers must stop in the middle of traffic when their vehicle doesn’t work. As a result, it can lead to an accident if someone coming up from behind can’t stop in time.
Do your best to always get your vehicle to the side of the road. If you end up having to push your vehicle out of harm’s way, try and get help. The faster that vehicle is off the main flow of traffic, the better for everyone around you.
It is a good idea to have the number of a towing service with you at all times. Also, have flares in your trunk if you need to use them to alert other drivers that your vehicle has broken down.
By doing all you can to have a fit vehicle, your chances of being in an accident will go in reverse.