Maintaining your car protects the safety of you, your family, and other drivers on the road. Whether you’re heading out on a cross-country road trip or simply commuting to work, proactively check on your car’s safety to prevent breakdowns, accidents, and expensive repairs.
Check Your Tires Regularly
The tires are the base of what propels a vehicle forward. Faulty or worn-out tires can compromise handling and braking distance, especially in adverse weather.
Tire pressure is a major focus of safety checks; underinflated and overinflated tires pose significant hazards like poor fuel efficiency and lack of control of the vehicle.
Most cars have a recommended tire pressure listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver’s door. Once a month, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure the tires are properly inflated.
While checking the tires, examine the spare tire. Make sure that it’s in good condition and properly inflated, so you’re prepared in case of a flat tire.
Know When To Replace Components
There are numerous elements that make a vehicle operate, so there are several components to check and replace over the years. Regularly changing components, such as the engine oil and filters, can help prevent engine damage over time.
Most vehicles require an oil change between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Check the owner’s manual for specific details.
Furthermore, replacing the tires is a necessary maintenance task. Look for signs that you need to replace your tires—like obvious cracking, bulging, or uneven wear on the treads—so you can drive safely.
For brakes, pay attention to the warning signs. These could include squeaking or grinding or vibrations when braking. You may need to replace your brake pads approximately every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and driving habits.
Inspect Lights and Wipers
Driving in the dark or during harsh weather conditions is risky enough without poor visibility. Ensure you’re visible to other drivers and that you can see them, too. This means you should test all your lights, including turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and hazard signals. Always replace burnt-out bulbs as soon as possible to ensure your safety while driving.
If the windshield wipers leave streaks, it’s time to replace them. It’s good practice to purchase new wiper blades every six to 12 months, depending on usage and climate conditions. For people who live in snowy conditions that require the use of the wipers more often, then they will need to replace the wipers sooner than drivers in drier conditions.
Taking care of your car isn’t just about maintaining its performance; it’s about safeguarding yourself, your loved ones, and everyone sharing the road. Conducting these safety checks ensures that your car is ready to hit the road without complications.
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