Reports show that several million auto accidents occur on American roads every year. There are many possible causes of these accidents. A huge majority are caused by reckless drivers, failing to follow the rules and showing a distinct lack of respect and care for their fellow road users. Others are caused by negligence, distractions, people driving under the influence, or even bad weather.
You can’t completely erase all possibilities of risks and dangers on the road, but it is possible to take steps to minimize the risks you face and give yourself the best chance of avoiding accidents in the future. Driving safely and following the rules of the road is obviously one way to improve your safety, but it’s also a good idea to keep your car in good working order.
Cars are complex machines, with lots of moving parts and complicated systems. Technical faults and failures can arise with your car’s parts and systems as time goes by, and these faults could put you in dangerous positions on the road if your brakes don’t work the way they should or headlights start to flicker. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to get regular auto services on your vehicle to keep everything in good working order. Here are some key services to schedule for your car.
Fluid Checks
There are many different fluids flowing through your vehicle, from windshield washer fluid to brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and engine oil. Each of these fluids has a part to play in the general health of your car and the functionality of key systems and features, and if the fluids get contaminated or start to run low, you can notice a wide range of side effects.
A lack of brake fluid, for example, could make your brake system unreliable, which could be really dangerous if you need to slow down and stop because of a jackknife truck accident on the highway, for instance. During a fluid check, a technician will inspect the various fluid levels of your car, let you know about any leaks, and top up the fluids that are running low.
Tire Inspections
Your car’s tires have to cope with a lot. Every day, they roll across rough road surfaces, and it’s natural for the treads to wear down over time. The pressure levels, too, can start to change due to tire use and changing temperatures throughout the year, which can affect fuel economy and safety on the road. You might even pick up a puncture in one of your tires and not notice until it’s too late.
A tire inspection is therefore another useful service you can find at auto shops and dealerships. During this service, a mechanic will take a look at your car’s tires and inspect for any signs of damages that need immediate repair. They’ll also be able to adjust the pressure levels and recommend additional services, like tire rotations.
Battery Checks
Your car’s battery is, in many ways, its lifeline. The battery is needed for almost everything in the car. It helps to get the engine started by providing electrical energy to the spark plugs, and it’s also required to provide energy to countless other systems and components, from the headlights to the air conditioning system.
If the battery starts to run low on power, your engine might be slow to start, your car’s headlights could cut out or appear less bright than usual, and your vehicle’s electrical features may become unreliable too. It’s therefore very wise to get battery checks and find out the right time to have your battery replaced.
Engine Diagnostic
Have you ever spotted the “Check Engine” light that appears on your dashboard? If so, you’re not alone. This light is regularly spotted by countless drivers all over the world. Some people choose to ignore it and hope that the problem in question simply goes away on its own, running the risk of serious engine issues in the process.
The best course of action if you spot this light, or if you notice any other engine problems, is to get an engine diagnostic. During this service, a mechanic will connect to your car’s computer and find out exactly what’s going on with the engine in order to make the necessary repairs right away and save you a lot of hassle.
Final Word
Keeping your car in good condition is one of the main responsibilities of any car owner, and auto services don’t only exist to save you money on repairs and keep your car running smoothly; they can also help you enjoy safer rides too, so be sure to schedule services like these on a regular basis.
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