Is your car an accident waiting to happen? Do the following safety checks at least once a month and you will avoid breakdowns, mechanical disasters, and unsafe driving conditions.
1. Tires.
Tires are the Rodney Dangerfield of car components. They just don’t get any respect. Every year more than 20,000 car crashes occur because of blow-outs or tire failure, most all of them preventable. Improper tire maintenance is the single biggest contributor to maintenance-related car crashes, yet tires are easy to inspect and fix.
Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is critical. Tires lose pressure naturally with time and changing weather, and you can’t tell by looking whether today’s radial tires are underinflated. Get a pressure gauge and always maintain pressure at recommended levels.
Tread depth and wear affect traction and braking effectiveness. Uneven tire wear is an indication of wheel alignment or balance problems. Tires should have at least an eighth of an inch of tread depth remaining. Put a penny in a tire groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If the top of Lincoln’s head remains visible, get a new tire.
2. Brakes.
Pay attention to the information your brake pedal gives your right foot. Brakes need inspection if you notice decreased resistance or if the pedal depresses further than normal. Vibration or grating noises may mean that the rotors are being worn down because the brake pads are too thin. Worn brakes increase stopping distance and reduce braking efficiency. Ensure that brake pads have adequate thickness and that rotors are not damaged.
3. Fluids.
Many of your car’s most vital systems depend on maintaining a proper level and quality of various fluids. First, look under your car for evidence of leaks. Then check your oil level, because low levels or broken-down oil can irreparably damage the most expensive component of your car. Frequent oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy. While you’re at it, check the fluid levels of your radiator coolant, brake master cylinder, windshield washer, transmission, and power steering units.
4. Belts and Hoses.
While you have the hood up, examine all rubber components for loose connections, leaks, and cracks. An inexpensive belt or hose giving out can strand you, overheat your engine, and generally cause misery on the road.
5.Lights.
If other drivers can see you and know what you intend to do, you’ll reduce your crash risk. If all your lamps work, you will avoid a stop by the local law enforcement officer, too. Check your headlights (high and low beams), tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
6. Children and Safety Kits.
One last overlooked check: Before you enter your car, ensure that nobody is behind you. Every year, several dozen children are accidentally killed by family members who backed up and ran over them.
Despite all these efforts, the unexpected still happens. Your trunk should contain a flashlight, blanket, bag of salt, first-aid kit, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, white distress rag, and flares.
Periodic safety checks will ensure that you do not add to your risk on the road, and can save many hassles and expenses. Teach your kids to help you and you’ll instill good habits for them and their future families, too.
Source
1. Tires.
Tires are the Rodney Dangerfield of car components. They just don’t get any respect. Every year more than 20,000 car crashes occur because of blow-outs or tire failure, most all of them preventable. Improper tire maintenance is the single biggest contributor to maintenance-related car crashes, yet tires are easy to inspect and fix.
Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is critical. Tires lose pressure naturally with time and changing weather, and you can’t tell by looking whether today’s radial tires are underinflated. Get a pressure gauge and always maintain pressure at recommended levels.
Tread depth and wear affect traction and braking effectiveness. Uneven tire wear is an indication of wheel alignment or balance problems. Tires should have at least an eighth of an inch of tread depth remaining. Put a penny in a tire groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If the top of Lincoln’s head remains visible, get a new tire.
2. Brakes.
Pay attention to the information your brake pedal gives your right foot. Brakes need inspection if you notice decreased resistance or if the pedal depresses further than normal. Vibration or grating noises may mean that the rotors are being worn down because the brake pads are too thin. Worn brakes increase stopping distance and reduce braking efficiency. Ensure that brake pads have adequate thickness and that rotors are not damaged.
3. Fluids.
Many of your car’s most vital systems depend on maintaining a proper level and quality of various fluids. First, look under your car for evidence of leaks. Then check your oil level, because low levels or broken-down oil can irreparably damage the most expensive component of your car. Frequent oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy. While you’re at it, check the fluid levels of your radiator coolant, brake master cylinder, windshield washer, transmission, and power steering units.
4. Belts and Hoses.
While you have the hood up, examine all rubber components for loose connections, leaks, and cracks. An inexpensive belt or hose giving out can strand you, overheat your engine, and generally cause misery on the road.
5.Lights.
If other drivers can see you and know what you intend to do, you’ll reduce your crash risk. If all your lamps work, you will avoid a stop by the local law enforcement officer, too. Check your headlights (high and low beams), tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
6. Children and Safety Kits.
One last overlooked check: Before you enter your car, ensure that nobody is behind you. Every year, several dozen children are accidentally killed by family members who backed up and ran over them.
Despite all these efforts, the unexpected still happens. Your trunk should contain a flashlight, blanket, bag of salt, first-aid kit, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, white distress rag, and flares.
Periodic safety checks will ensure that you do not add to your risk on the road, and can save many hassles and expenses. Teach your kids to help you and you’ll instill good habits for them and their future families, too.
Source
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