Avoid Accidents with These 5 Car Maintenance Jobs

It seems like every driver is bound to get into a car accident sooner or later. It’s an unfortunate aspect of being a driver, and one that we all try to avoid as best we can. In order to avoid car accidents, it’s important to know what the main causes are. According to this West Coast Trial Lawyers Auto Accident assistance team, “There are a number of reasons why car accidents occur, including the carelessness of distracted drivers, reckless or erratic driving, alcohol and drugs, and many other factors.” One of these factors is the condition of your car.

A car that is not properly maintained is more likely to break down at an inopportune time and cause an accident. To prevent this, here are some car maintenance jobs that you should be routinely doing in order to keep yourself safe while driving.

Check the Brakes

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One of the most important things to check is the brakes. It’s one thing if you are unable to start your car – it’s another situation entirely if you can’t stop it. You don’t want to be driving along on the highway, only to find out that your brakes are not as good as they should be. When driving, check to see if your car rumbles when you apply the brakes. You should also listen for a screeching sound coming from the tires, as this usually indicates the brakes can’t go on much longer. Finally, if the brakes don’t feel as responsive as you’d like when you push the brake pedal, have a mechanic check this out sooner rather than later.

Replace the Tires

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As time goes on, the tires on your car will begin to wear down. The more you drive, the quicker they will go. Old tires don’t grip to the road as well, and are more likely to puncture when you drive, or slip in bad road conditions. Every once in a while you should examine your tires and see how much tread is on them. If they’re wearing down, it’s time to replace them. You can also rotate your tires to help them wear down more evenly and extend their lives.

Get New Windshield Wipers

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Speaking of bad weather, when the heavy rains start to fall, or the snow starts to accumulate, you’re going to want to be able to see out of your windshield. You can’t do this if your windshield wipers aren’t working properly. These may seem like a tiny piece of your car, but when you find yourself out in severe weather, you’ll be happy you had a decent pair installed on your car. If you ever notice that your wipers aren’t working as well as they should, or if they seem at all broken, it’s time to get them replaced. Luckily, replacement wipers typically aren’t expensive, and you can often replace them yourself in just a few minutes.

Check Your Headlights

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Along with clear windows, you’ll also need light in order to see. Whether you’re driving in bad weather or at night, a good set of headlights are essential for safe driving. But just like every other type of bulb, these lights fail over time. If you notice your bulbs flickering, or if they are not as bright as they once were, it’s time to get a new pair. Even if only one bulb seems to be having a problem, it’s a good idea to replace them both at the same time. Check your owner’s manual for more information on the type of bulb you need, and how to replace it.

Fluid Levels

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Finally, you need to monitor the different fluid levels within your car. For instance, if your car is low on oil, you could end up having a problem with your transmission. Or if you run low on coolant, your car could overheat on a long drive. Or maybe you run out of windshield wiper fluid, and you find out right after a big truck has splashed mud on your windows, making it hard to see. Every few months check all of the fluid levels within your car, and top off any that seem low.

Make Car Inspections Routine

One of the best ways to say safe while you drive is to ensure you are stepping into a safe vehicle. By making it a habit to check your car for signs of problems, you can get them taken care of before they cause an accident. You can often complete a full check of your car in just a few minutes, so make it a part of your routine and keep yourself safer on the road.