CRA Vehicle Maintenance & Personal Safety Explored
Use this car maintenance advice to keep you and your loved ones safe on the open road. Do you fear the day that you get into a car accident with your family in the passenger seats?
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Are you looking for ways to keep you and your loved ones safe on the open road?
If so, then you need to learn about preventative car maintenance tips you can use to lower the risk of a car accident. Contrary to popular belief, car accidents aren’t just caused by a spur-of-the-moment occurrence. Most can be prevented with a little caution ahead of time.
See below for an in-depth car maintenance checklist you can use to ensure your vehicle is as safe as can be.
Check Your Mirrors
We all know the warning by heart—”Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear”.
Mirrors can be the unsung heroes of car safety. However, too many people neglect them or choose not to use them when making turns, changing lanes, or even (surprisingly) when in reverse.
Be the exception to those statistics. Set a better example for your family and other drivers by prioritizing the cleanliness and alignment of your mirrors.
First, start by making sure that all mirrors are still intact and operable. It’s rare, but some mirrors are known to fall off during severe storms. You should have one rearview mirror, as well as two side mirrors, one on either side of your car.
Next, be sure to align those mirrors so that you can see cars in the other lane, as well as behind you, without having to shift your body while driving.
Lastly, take the time to clean all three mirrors to ensure optimal visibility. You can clean them with a microfiber cloth and warm water. If you choose to use Windex, be sure to spray it on the cloth, not the mirrors.
Even with your mirrors being road-ready, it’s important to factor in your blind spots. Every car has them. Blindspot collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents.
Schedule a Frequent Tune-Up
At the end of the day, you can improve your car’s maintenance best when you leave it in the hands of professionals.
For that reason, we highly suggest that you take the car in for a frequent check-up now and then. Any time that you’re looking to take it a long-distance, be sure to have it inspected beforehand.
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that lead to car accidents or drivers winding up on the side of the road during their travels.
For example, by taking it in, your trusted car repair shop can alert you to things like needing to replace your air filter, whether or not your car’s brakes are getting worn down, any moisture that’s trapped in your valves, etc.
These are the little things that most car owners aren’t aware of, and how could they be? Unless you’re a car fanatic that takes frequent looks under your hood, you’ll have a hard time preventing costly repairs.
Any time that you have a concern or think somethings off about the vehicle, take it into the shop. Letting it drag out can result in a car accident.
Change Your Oil Regularly
Did you know that you should change your car’s oil once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles? If you’re driving an older car, then experts recommend you lower it to every 3,000 miles.
Most of you are a far cry from that. Changing your car’s oil is important because it prevents dirt and sludge from building up in your engine.
Without it, your engine will be susceptible to all kinds of foreign (and unideal substances). In other words: your car’s engine won’t last as long without it.
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time for a change, check for any leaks underneath the area where your engine is located.
If you aren’t sure, then it’s best to take it in to have it changed. Most car oil changes cost around $30. But no matter how much it costs, it’s worth the investment to extend the life of your engine.
Monitor Your Brakes
Car brakes are one of the most used, yet neglected, parts of any car. They’re used multiple times for every commute.
Over time, the brake pads will need to be replaced to avoid you hitting metal on metal. If you hear the sound of metal grinding, it’s a sign your brakes need to be tended to right away.
Faulty car brakes can reduce your ability to stop the car, which will result in a car crash. Be sure to read this article to know what to do after an accident, just in case it ever occurs.
Let Your Dashboard Guide You
Far too many drivers respond to the lights on their dashboard by rolling their eyes, shaking their heads, or shrugging it off.
Those dashboard lights are the car’s software trying to alert you to a developing problem, don’t ignore them!
Think of it this way: which would you rather have? Spending a few hundred dollars to fix an issue and prevent a crash or endure months of legal back and forth with your car insurance company?
Invest in Proper Car Maintenance for Your Vehicle
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how proper car maintenance can prevent a crash, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Start by learning all you can about your vehicle. What are the most common issues it faces? How can you be proactive in preventing them?
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on car maintenance, as well as many other helpful topics that you will enjoy.
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Article Credit to Florida News Times.
Do you have a proper system in place to ensure that your vehicle remains road-worthy to ensure that you and your family’s safety? Do you have any tips to fellow motorists to ensure the safety of their vehicles? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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