Vehicle safety is important for drivers and passengers. The U.S. has 235 million licensed drivers, and in 2022, there were 5.2 million accident injuries serious enough to require medical consultation.
Safe driving techniques are essential for avoiding these accidents, but you also have to maintain your vehicle. For instance, tires are crucial for proper traction, while brakes ensure the ability to stop and avoid accidents. Engine performance, visitability, lights, signals, and other components are equally important for accident avoidance and overall safety on the road.
Regular maintenance ensures all these potentially lifesaving systems work flawlessly when needed. Luckily, you can ensure reliability with small repairs and routine maintenance. Not only can sticking to a maintenance schedule and making parts updates improve safety, but it can also increase your vehicle’s lifespan and ensure peak performance.
Here’s a closer look at the type of maintenance you need to consider to ensure safety on the road.
Regular Maintenance Checks
The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends scheduling vehicle maintenance at least once every 12 months or having an oil change and checkup after putting 5,000 to 7,500 miles on your car.
You can also check important systems yourself more regularly. These help ensure the vehicle has the right amount of fluids, lubricants, lighting, and air pressure to operate safely.
Even if you need professional help to make repairs, you can check the systems yourself so you know when maintenance or parts replacement are necessary.
Here’s a look at three vital systems to check regularly.
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Maintaining proper tire pressure is vital for safety and fuel efficiency. Correctly inflated tires ensure safe handling. Low pressure reduces steering ability, while overinflated tires could blow out, causing a loss of control. Adequate inflation can also improve fuel economy.
Tire pressure ratings are usually listed on a label inside the driver’s door and in the owner’s manual. The U.S. Tire Manufacturer’s Association recommends using a handheld meter to measure tire pressure monthly, especially if the weather becomes significantly hotter or colder. Temperature changes of more than 10 degrees Farenheit can increase or reduce tire pressure.
The association also highlights the importance of maintaining a tread depth of at least 1/16th of an inch. This ensures better traction, especially in wet conditions. Cars could slide and fail to stop if treads aren’t deep enough.
You can check tread depth using a tread depth gauge or the penny test: insert a penny into the tread, and if the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires.
Fluid Levels and Quality
Fluids work to ensure vital parts function correctly and don’t break down after long-term use or in harsh conditions. Here are the four most vital fluids to check.
- Engine oil lubricates the moving parts in the engine to keep them from wearing down too quickly.
- Brake fluid transfers energy to brakes to help stop the vehicle, and it keeps brake parts from grinding against each other.
- Coolant controls the temperature in the engine to keep it from overheating.
- Transmission fluid cools down and lubricates the gears so they shift smoothly. It also helps transfer hydraulic pressure to move the transmission parts without too much friction.
You can check these fluids regularly according to the timeframes outlined in your owner’s manual. Add lubricants or coolants if they’re low, and consult your mechanic about changing fluids according to the maintenance schedule or if they appear dirty or contaminated.
Dirty or low fluids could compromise safety by causing your engine, transmission, or braking system to shut down or overheat.
Brake System Inspections
A fully functional brake system is crucial for stopping the vehicle in all conditions. You need to be aware of the signs of brake wear, which could include squealing, grinding noises, vibrations, or increased stopping distances. If you notice these problems, you should take your vehicle to the mechanic for possible parts replacement. Often, this involves replacing brake pads or rotors, cleaning brakes, or topping up fluids.
You can also extend the lifespan of brake pads and components with smooth, non-aggressive braking.
Enhancing Vehicle Visibility
Being visible to other drivers is crucial for safe driving, reducing the risk of accidents. For instance, fog accounts for 38,700 crashes in the U.S. each year. Also, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), 50% of traffic deaths happen at night, even though only 25% of all vehicle travel happens after dark.
Luckily, simple upgrades, like installing brighter headlights or reflective decals, can significantly enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions or bad weather. These changes can increase safety, provided they comply with local and state regulations.
Reflective Decals and Tape
Reflective decals and tape can increase vehicle visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions. They work by using tiny, prism-like surfaces to catch and reflect light from headlights and streetlamps.
You can apply reflective decals and tape to bumpers, side mirrors, and door edges.
The tape will be exposed to the elements, so you need to opt for high-quality and durable materials that withstand conditions and maintain their reflective properties. Always check warranties, expected lifespan, and water and temperature resistance when choosing reflectors.
Upgrading Brake Lights
Brake lights alert other drivers when you slow down or stop. Properly functioning brake lights are essential for reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Bright LED bulbs can increase the visibility of brake lights so other drivers know when you are slowing down or stopping. LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, lowering the chances that these essential signals will burn out when you’re on the road.
You can also get someone to check your brake lights by having them stand to the side behind your parked car while you apply the brakes. The lights should illuminate even if you are not in gear.
Cleaning and Polishing Headlights
As the NSC pointed out, night driving is inherently riskier. Headlights can improve your visibility and make you more visible to other drivers. However, over time, headlight covers can become cloudy or yellowed due to scratches, UV damage, and road debris. Regular cleaning and polishing help remove these stains, improving illumination on dark roads.
To clean headlights, wash them with soap and water to remove dirt. Use a headlight cleaning kit with a manual or automatic buffer to grind away haze and oxidation.
Cleaning Windows and Windshields
Dirty or obstructed windows and windshields can impair your vision, making driving more challenging, especially at night or during other low-visibility times. Dirt can make it harder to see, and chips and cracks can make it hard to get a clear view of the road. Even small breaks in the glass can weaken your windshield and make it more prone to shattering during an accident or a storm.
You should think about replacing your windshield if you have a large crack or if a chip goes through more than half the thickness of the glass. Also, consider repairing your windshield by filling smaller chips or cracks so they don’t get larger due to road vibrations or temperature changes.
Other Safety Upgrades Around the Car
You can also consider other safety-related maintenance steps to ensure you and your passengers remain safe on the road. Here are three other areas to check.
- Seat belt adjusters ensure a proper belt fit for all occupants by locking into place based on the passenger’s size. The adjuster automatically positions the belt correctly to protect each rider during an accident.
- Dash cams provide video evidence in case of accidents or disputes. These cameras can also enhance driver awareness and promote safer driving behaviors. They can help with insurance claims after an accident.
- First aid kits provide the materials to deal with minor injuries. They can be useful after accidents for providing care until emergency personnel arrive.
You should also make sure the airbags are engaged, and any accident avoidance systems are functioning during routine maintenance.
With routine vehicle maintenance and simple repairs, you can ensure you remain safe on the road and are able to steer, stop, see, and avoid danger when you’re behind the wheel.