Road accidents are something we hear about every year. In the United States alone, there were around 12 million vehicles involved in crashes in 2018. Many of these accidents happen due to irresponsible driving, but often they can be caused by vehicles that simply are not safe to drive on the road.
The thing is that most of these accidents can be prevented by following some simple daily steps. Just like keeping your body in check can ensure you stay healthy, taking care of your vehicle regularly will mean you’re less likely to run into major road accidents. Read on to find out how.
Get your vehicle serviced regularly
No matter what car you drive, it is highly recommended by professionals that you take it to be checked over about once a year. This way- even if you think your vehicle is in working order- there’s a chance to iron out any issues before they become serious. These check-ups should be covered by your usual car insurance, but you can avoid spending too much on maintenance by investing in reliable vehicle cover for yourself and anyone else in your family.
It goes without saying that if you suspect there is an issue with your vehicle before your usual check-in, that you take it immediately to be serviced. You don’t want to run the risk of driving a dangerous car on the road.
Prepare for the worst
While the right insurance can cover you in the case of some accidents, it’s also wise to make sure you find resources if a car accident does happen. It’s not something people like to consider, but having legal support during times like this can be vital in reducing stress and keeping your fees low.
Some people are lucky enough to turn to friends or family members in these times, who may be able to pull some strings to help. If not, don’t worry; you are not alone. There is an array of professional services to turn to in your time of need.
Check your tires often
There is nothing more frustrating than getting a flat tire, especially when you’re out on the road. While punctures are tricky to avoid, you can stop your tires from going flat if this is down to general use. It’s as simple as checking the pressure of your tires every few days. If you notice they are going flat, take them to a repair shop to get them pumped. If this loss of air is due to tire damage, head to your nearest garage to get it replaced. Those who are confident enough to change their tire at home may find it useful to follow some online advice.
You can also prepare for punctures by keeping a tire puncture set in your trunk at all times. While some punctures are severe enough to rip the tire, most can be repaired temporarily using one of these nifty kits. Just make sure to go by a repair shop on the way home to fix any long-term damage.
Inspect your fluids
Cars rely on a multitude of fluids to ensure they run smoothly. From coolant to brake fluid, your car can become dangerous to drive if these fluids are not balanced. When you do your tire checks every few days, make sure you carry out fluid inspections at the same time. You should not wait until a leak is identified to get your vehicle checked out, as this may be a sign your car is on the way out.
If you’re unsure about what to spot, there’s no need for concern. Here’s a handy guide to maintaining your vehicle fluids at home. For those living in colder climates, change up your coolant’s antifreeze to water ratio to ensure it doesn’t freeze inside the pipes and prevent your vehicle from starting.
A short guide to road safety
When it comes to staying safe on the road, it’s a great start to be more vigilant with maintaining your vehicle at home. Despite, this it’s always wise to brush up on your driver behavior for when you eventually hit the road.
From texting and driving to drunk-driving, there are many behaviors you should avoid that are both dangerous and illegal, as they can cause harm to yourself and those around you. To have a safe and enjoyable driving experience, make sure you follow these steps to become a better driver:
- Stay alert– Make sure you have minimal distractions when you are driving by asking guests in your vehicle to keep the noise down. Avoid playing too-loud music, and of course, never step into your car after having consumed the recommended amount of alcohol.
- Get your eyes checked– Many drivers don’t use their glasses when on the road, even if they need to. If you notice your vision getting blurry, head to the opticians, and always keep a pair of prescription lenses in your car.
- Keep your anger in check– Road rage is real, but letting your anger cloud your driving can only pave the way for accidents. Keep a stress ball in your car, or play soothing music so your anger doesn’t interfere with your focus when you begin to feel stressed.
- Go easy on the brakes– It’s tempting to press hard on the brakes when you need to make a sudden stop, but be mindful of this. Braking too hard too often can cause whiplash and long-term damage to your vehicle.