When a car accident happens, most people are quick to blame either the driver of the vehicle or their behavior. While negligent driving habits do cause many car accidents every year, car maintenance mistakes are to blame for many accidents as well. Being involved in a car accident that is caused by the negligent actions of another person can be difficult. If you are severely injured during a car accident that wasn`t your fault, then contacting a car accident lawyer like Attorney Brian White & Associates, PC is a wise move. Getting compensation for your injuries will help you put the pieces of your life back together.
One way to prevent accidents from happening is to keep your car running safely. Here are some common car maintenance mistakes that can cause accidents and how to avoid them.
Failing To Change Worn Out Brakes
Millions of car accidents occur in the United States annually. When split-second driving decisions have to be made, you need all of the systems on your car to be running efficiently. For instance, if you have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting another vehicle, your braking components will have to spring into action to avoid a collision. Over time, the various components of your car`s braking system will start to wear out. If these components are not replaced, they will reduce the stopping power your vehicle has.
Once you start to notice screeching noises or you feel vibrations when you bring your car to a stop, you need to visit a trusted mechanic to take a look. These are signs that either your brake pads or brake rotors are in need of repair. A mechanic will be able to replace these worn components and get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Ignoring the Need for New Tires
When bringing a car to a stop, your braking components and tires have to work together. New tires feature thick tread, which allows them to grip the road and provide adequate stopping power. As time goes by, the tire treads will start to wear out. If your tires do not have the right amount of tread, it is only a matter of time before they pose a real danger. While new tires can be expensive, they are worth the money considering the increased amount of safety they provide you behind the wheel. This is especially true in areas where winter weather causes dangerous conditions that require the right tires for stopping on icy, snowy roads.
You also need to take the time to check your tire pressure to ensure they are properly inflated, especially before heading out on a long road trip. If you start to notice that one or more tires are consistently losing pressure, this is a sign that you need to have them checked for leaks.
Replacing Worn Wipers Blades
Driving in bad weather is something that most motorists are familiar with. Certain parts of your car have to function in order for you to make it through a trip in heavy rain, snow or hail safely. Your wiper blades are designed to remove moisture from your windshield quickly. Over time, the rubber inserts in your wiper blades will get dry and brittle.
When this happens, they will have a hard time removing water from your windshield, which can create some unsafe driving conditions due to streaking and missed spots. This is why you need to have worn wipers replaced immediately.
Don`t Let These Maintenance Mistakes Put You in Danger
By avoiding these common car maintenance mistakes, you can stay safe while driving on the roads in your area.