The last thing any driver wants is for their trusty vehicle to break down on them in the middle of the road. Beyond just being frustrating, this is also a dangerous occurrence that can lead to a car accident. The average year will see over five million car accidents, with over one million of those resulting in injury, going to show how important preventing a breakdown is. No matter how new your vehicle is, it will inevitably start to breakdown and need serious repairs. By handling preventative maintenance on your vehicle, you can delay the amount of time before those costly repairs are needed.
What is Preventative Maintenance?
To those unfamiliar with the term, preventative maintenance may seem like an odd concept. Essentially, this is the maintenance of a vehicle at regular intervals to ensure all parts are working and that wear-and-tear hasn`t impacted their performance to a high degree.
For example, preventative maintenance in Los Angeles may look like getting your tire pressure checked and having fluid levels topped off due to the heat. Doing this can help you avoid needing to call a Los Angeles car accident lawyer because your car overheated and caused an accident on the freeway.
Why is Preventative Maintenance Important?
Preventative maintenance is important because it prevents minor repairs from becoming something much more serious. The parts under the hood of your car work together as a unit to propel your vehicle forward. Just a single one of those parts having an issue can create a domino effect that impacts a larger part of your vehicle, such as the engine.
For example, if you have a leak in your radiator, then the coolant that travels through it may start to drip out. While this may not be a concern in the short-term, too much coolant leaking can result in your engine overheating, which can seriously damage your engine. While a leaking radiator may cost a couple hundred to fix, a damaged engine could cost thousands.
What to Cover with Preventative Maintenance?
An effective car maintenance guide for your vehicle will often cover a few basic items that are crucial to keeping your car running on the road. First and foremost, never ignore your standard recommended vehicle check-ups. These are the foundation of preventative maintenance and the overall health of your vehicle. Most schedules require a car to be serviced at 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000-miles, but check your manual for the specific timeframe.
Additionally, consider having the following items taken care of the next time you visit a shop:
- Get your tire pressure checked
- Top off any fluids that may need to be topped off
- Replace your windshield wipers before wintertime
- Rotate your tires at regular intervals
- Check your brake pads
- Have your battery tested
Keep your car in working order
No driver wants to end up in a potentially life-threatening car accident. By handling preventative maintenance, a driver can save both time and money by avoiding major mechanical breakdown. Keep your car in working order and visit a local dealership or auto shop to have your car inspected for normal wear-and-tear.