Like all machinery, motor vehicles need regular maintenance. In fact, lack of vehicle maintenance can be a contributing factor to accidents. For example, worn brake pads could prevent you from stopping in time to avoid a collision. Worn wiper blades could leave streaks on the windshield that impair visibility. The following maintenance tips can help you stay safe on the road and avoid the hassle and expense of an accident. They can also help you avoid costly repairs to your vehicle in the future.
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Get Regular Checkups From a Mechanic
Your vehicle’s service manual will have a recommended schedule for maintenance. Take your car to a mechanic to keep up with the schedule. In addition to maintenance items, such as flushing the power steering fluid, a professional mechanic can spot any issues that could cause problems on the road or lead to major repairs in the future.
Take Care of Your Lights
Clean your headlights on a regular basis to improve visibility with night driving. If UV rays have caused them to become cloudy or yellow in appearance, use a headlight restoration kit to correct the problem. Check to ensure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are working properly. This is important when you are driving after dark or in bad weather.
Check Your Brakes
Brakes are critical to the safety of your vehicle. When brake pads wear out, it can cause damage to the rotors. Worn brake pads, fluid leaks, and other problems could cause the brakes to fail, which could result in an accident. See a mechanic as soon as possible if your brakes are making a screeching or grinding noise.
Maintain Your Tires
For the safe operation of your vehicle, your tires need to be in good condition. Check tire pressure regularly – at least once a month. Look for uneven wear, cracks in the sidewalls, or other signs that your tires may need to be rotated, aligned, or replaced.
Check All Your Fluids
Engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant in your vehicle all need to be checked regularly. If you refill fluids yourself, use a clean, unopened container. Levels of oil and transmission fluid can affect how well your engine performs.
Inspect and Change Wiper Blades
The condition of your wiper blades can make a difference in your ability to see the road ahead. This can be particularly important when it rains or snows, or when debris accumulates on your windshield. Inspect your wiper blades for tears, cracks, stiffness, and other signs of wear, and change them if needed before the rainy season.
Change the Oil and Filter Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your car is change the oil and filter on a regular schedule. Dirty oil or low oil can affect engine performance. Follow the recommendations in your service manual on how frequently to change the oil.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident
Despite careful driving and regular maintenance, car accidents can still happen. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Your best chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries is to have a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney handling your case.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we have extensive experience representing injured people in all types of motor vehicle accident claims. We also have a successful record of recovering compensation for our clients. Attorney Timothy Bussey has been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado by the National Trial Lawyers Association. After a serious car accident, call us at (719) 475-2555 to find out how we can help.