By Tim O’Hare
Being safe on the road isn’t always about avoiding distracted or drunk driving and obeying traffic laws. A poorly maintained vehicle can also be the cause of car accidents. Avoid being the cause of a car accident by maintaining a safe vehicle.
Car maintenance can seem bothersome and costly; however, properly maintaining your vehicle is essential to road safety. Whether maintaining your car yourself or taking your car to a mechanic, there are a few key things to look over:
Brakes — If you hear whining or screeching, feel the brakes grinding, or feel your car pulling to one direction when hitting the brakes, don’t ignore it. While it may be something as simple as brake fluid level, these “symptoms” may also be caused by worn down brake hoses or brake pads, which make driving dangerous. This may seem obvious, but your safety on the road is dependent on your vehicle being able to make sudden stops when necessary.
Grab a penny for a simple test on your tire tread. Put the penny into the groove of the tire tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see his head, it might be time to replace your tires. If you notice the tread on your tires is uneven, it may be an indicator that your car is misaligned or the tires are not properly balanced. Both of which are an easy fix that can save you money in the long run.
Oil, transmission and coolant –– Low fluid levels can keep your car from operating correctly. Perform regular checks on fluid levels, or routinely take your car to a mechanic to have these levels checked. If the levels are frequently low, it might be an indicator of a leak. Changing your oil regularly and maintaining the transmission will help ensure your car doesn’t break down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Employ a professional mechanic for your regular tune-ups. Don’t risk a car accident by driving an improperly maintained car. The small cost of routine maintenance is worth your safety and the safety of others who share the road with you.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call us at 972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020.
