Many car accidents occur every day on the road and may result from distracted or reckless driving, over the speed limit, texting while driving, and lack of car maintenance. According to global road safety statistics, annually more than 1.35 million people die and millions more are injured due to road accidents worldwide. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 20 percent of all road accidents occur due to improper car maintenance. It is assumed that regular car maintenance not only provides accident-proof your ride but also avoids costly issues such as engine failure, tire blowouts, faulty brakes, and electrical problems.
When drivers neglected to maintain their cars even though they know the problems can lead to fatal accidents in several ways. The following are the common issues with poorly maintained vehicles that can lead to road crashes:
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Defective brakes: Poorly functioning car brakes are a major factor in car accidents. Brakes may fail due to worn brake lines, worn-out brake rotors or pads, or problems in anti-lock brake systems.
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Burned-out headlights and turn signals: When the headlights of cars burned out, it may cause problems for other drivers in the dark as they can’t see the car easily and collide with it. Turn signals of cars are used to let other vehicle drivers know their intentions. Malfunctioning in turn signals may also contribute to a road accident.
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Damaged or improperly inflated tires: Car tires lose tread over time and reducing their grip on the road due to friction. Bald tires may be responsible for colliding the car with other vehicles, especially in icy road conditions. Worn or sidewall damage in car tires can lead to bursting out, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause a road accident.
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Power steering issues: Failure or malfunctioning in the power steering system of cars makes it difficult to turn and maneuver. Failure may be due to a broken belt, a damaged pump, a leaky hose, or contaminated power steering fluid.
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Frayed or damaged windshield wiper blades: When the blades of the windshield wiper are damaged or worn out, they become less effective in cleaning the windshield and lead to impaired vision and resulting road accidents.
Like all other machinery to function and perform properly, cars need regular maintenance. Routine maintenance not only provides a safe ride but also extends the life of the vehicle. Car maintenance is essential to ensuring that your car doesn’t suffer any unexpected breakdowns and runs properly. Proper tire rotations, regular oil changes, and other services keep the engine running smoothly and all components in good working order. For proper care maintenance, make sure that the following components of the cars are working correctly:
Lights: Lights are an essential part of cars for avoiding road accidents especially at night and in severe weather conditions. Check interior lights, taillights, headlights, and directional signals, and make sure that all are working properly, and light lenses are clean.
Mirrors: The mirrors are designed to assist drivers in safe driving on road by keeping track of traffic around their vehicles. Before driving, make sure that your car mirrors are pointed in the correct direction and clean.
Windshield wiper blades: Visibility is a key factor for driving safely. Wiper blades are used to remove any dirt buildup on the windshield. Inspect wiper blades regularly for cracks, stiffness, tears, or other signs of wear. If notice any of these, replace them with new ones to enhance visibility that will help to prevent a road crash. It also makes sure that your car’s windshield washer system is in good condition and works properly.
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Car Tyres: Car tires are a vital component of vehicle safety, especially in rainy, snowy, and icy road conditions, but sound tires can help you avoid any road accidents. Tires are designed to grip the road and give the driver directional control for a safe drive. Car tires must be checked regularly and ensured that they are in good condition and not damaged or worn away. It will help to prolong their life and improve the car's fuel economy. Tyre air pressure is also a crucial factor in driving the car safely. A tire with proper air pressure keeps you and your loved ones safe as well as improves the gas mileage.
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Engine Oil: Oil plays a significant role in running car engines smoothly. It lubricates the engine parts to reduce friction by minimizing metal-to-metal contact and carrying away excess heat.
Car Brakes: Like tires, car brakes are also crucial to the safety of your vehicle especially in wet weather conditions, such as ice, snow, or rain. Additionally, worn brake pads may damage rotors and lead to costly repairs. Worn brake pads, fluid leaks, and other issues can also result in the brake failure of the car and may result in a severe car accident on the road. For an accident-proof ride, make sure that brakes are working properly and inspected regularly especially if you don’t drive your vehicle every day.