5 Car Maintenance Tips to Prevent Car Accidents
Prevent Car Accidents in Colorado Springs
Car accidents happen in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a variety of reasons, but the most prominent reason is human error. If you fail to keep up with maintenance on your car, you put yourself and the people in Colorado at a greater risk of an accident when you end up on the road.
Other factors like distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are leading causes of motor vehicle collisions across the United States. There are a handful of things that should be regularly maintained on your vehicle in order to help prevent accidents while driving. Also, if you do sustain a personal injury from a car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our office today to see how we can help.
The following are the best maintenance tips to help avoid car accidents and personal injury if you live in Colorado spring, Colorado.
1. Always keep an eye out on your tires
If you haven’t checked your tires recently, you should. Badly worn, misaligned or damaged tires is an accident waiting to happen.
The part of a tire that is in contact with the road is called the tread, and this tread wears down over time. When a tire’s tread is completely worn down to the wears bar, you have a bald tire.
Balding tires are known to cause longer stopping times and increased risk of hydroplaning when moisture is present on the road.
Here’s how you can properly maintain your tires:
- Ensure you keep your tires properly inflated. Driving on tires not properly inflated can cause it to wear faster and unevenly and can even cause the vehicle to lose control. Also, check the tires’ inflation pressure at least once a month before long trips. Low tire air pressure puts you at higher risk of a tire blowout.
- Inspect the tire tread. You can do this by inserting a penny into the tread. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have very little tread left and your tires should be replaced.
2. Check your brakes
Along with your tires, brakes are vital to vehicle safety. This is especially true in the wet, icy or snowy weather of Colorado. Worn brake pads can damage rotors, leading to expensive repairs. Fluid and other problems could result in catastrophic brake failure and a potentially deadly accident.
Knowing the key warning signs when brakes require maintenance will go a long way towards keeping you safe and it’ll help avoid car accidents.
Every driver is faced with situations where it is necessary to slam on the brakes. Defective brakes reduce your ability to stop and prevent a collision with another car, property or pedestrian.
Screeching, clicking and grinding brakes are all signs of aging breaks in need of repair or replacement. If you’re hearing these sounds, check brake fluid levels as well as the condition of brake hoses.
3. Engine oil
The oil in your car is not only what fuels your engine but also what protects it from wear-and-tear.
Dirty oil and transmission fluids will cause excess wear on your engine and transmission, leading to potentially costly repairs down the road. Make sure your car is properly lubricated by changing your oil every 3 months.
4. Don’t forget about your battery
A bad battery can leave you stranded, and a faulty electrical system can cause your car to stall or operate incorrectly when driving. The average battery lasts about three and a half years, but in extreme weather conditions, batteries can die much sooner.
Check your battery and battery cables regularly for corrosion or cracks and clean or replace if necessary. This can help avoid car accidents, prevent personal injury and the need for a car accident lawyer or attorney.
5. Working Lights
Hazards, blinkers, and brake lights are especially important for your safety and other vehicles. Other vehicles need to know when you’re turning, braking or stopped somewhere on the road or off to the side.
If you’re not confident in your ability to perform maintenance checks on your vehicle, schedule an appointment with an auto shop or dealer. Safe vehicles can save your life.
If you or someone you love has sustained a personal injury in a car crash in Colorado Springs, Colorado due to poor vehicle maintenance or driver negligence, contact Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden Law Firm and speak to our professional car accident lawyers to discuss your legal rights.
Remember, regular car maintenance ensures maximum car performance, prevents personal injury and helps to avoid car accidents.
