Reckless or distracted driving, speeding or texting while driving, and driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol are among the top reasons why a person gets involved in a car accident. This is still undeniably the case in the U.S. and in countries around the world. There are a large number of reasons that can cause a Car Crash.
And while we struggle to find a means to come to grips with our addiction to our phones or our impatience on the road, there is a simple way to avoid more accidents on the road.
And it’s the most overlooked reason for some of our daily car accidents. We are simply not getting regular car maintenance. Ask yourself, when was the last time you got a car checkup?
Remember that regular car maintenance can prevent a collision, as well as other issues like electrical problems, engine failure, faulty brakes, and tire blowouts.
Basic Car Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a car is cheaper than buying a new one or going through the hassle of a car accident, that is true if you ask anyone who has had to do either. So, take the time to maintain and to avoid the accidents now if you can. And hey, this isn’t yacht maintenance, you can do this yourself!
Here are a few things you have to make sure they are in good shape to avoid accidents. Checking these items on the list before hitting the road is already a good precautionary measure.
- Oil level
- Tire pressure
- Brake pads
- Power steering fluid
- Wheel alignment
- Coolant or antifreeze
- Tire treads
- Air filter
- Transmission fluid
- Brake lights, headlights, signal lights, taillights, etc.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In the U.S. alone, roughly 37,000 people died and 2.3 million more suffered injuries in car accidents in 2019. That alone costs $230.6 billion in damages. Keep that in mind when you think about what a pin it is to drop $80 on that oil change or on your brake pads. It’s much cheaper than paying for a new car and court costs.
Note that keeping your vehicle safe for you and your family not only depends on your driving, but also on how serious you are in your car maintenance routine. You can perform a few easy checkups to ensure that your car will not cause you any headaches in the future.
Always check the brakes – The safety of your vehicle depends on how well-maintained your brakes are and it’s that simple. You’re moving at 60 miles and hour in a big hunk of metal and you need your brakes to slow down at a moments notice. You can manually check your brakes before going driving. Look for rust or first rings and grooves around the rotors. If your car feels like it’s driving through mud or your brakes squeal and take longer to stop your car then you need to hire a professional or have it checked at the nearest auto repair shop.
Replace worn tires – The tires are your first line of defense to avoid accidents on the road. Therefore, you have to have your tires checked for tire tread and adequate pressure. There may also be some uneven wear, damage, or cracks on the sidewall so keep an eye for wear and tear. That said, you may also have other issues that may need alignment, replacement, or rotation of tires. Any time you get your oil changed, ask the mechanic to look at your tires.
Lights must be in good condition – Remember that many car accidents reports begin with the words “I didn’t see them”. If you lose the headlight, visibility is lost. If you lose the taillights, other drivers will not be able to notice you exist. Don’t forget to replace them if necessary and keep them clean.
Check fluids regularly – It is your responsibility to check if the fluids inside your vehicle need replacement or replenishment. That includes the power steering, transmission, wiper, and brake fluids. If you fail to do so, your car will give you trouble on the road or even worse (God forbid). Some states in the U.S. may have bad weather that could take a toll on your vehicle. Always make updated vehicle maintenance to help you save money and save lives in the process.
Not As Common But Worth Your Time
Of course regular car maintenance is not going to change the world here, and in fact, the most common cause for car accidents is still distracted driving. But checking your breaks, cleaning your headlight and maintaining your oil is an easy way to make a small difference in your life. It could mean the difference between a fender bender and a large scale accident.
So take the time to maintain your car. Go get a checkup this weekend. And save a life… it could be yours.