Mechanical failures are one of the m
ost common causes of car accidents in the United States, most of which can be prevented with regularly scheduled maintenance appointments.
In honor of National Safety Month,Tracerline would like to highlight the top five mechanical failures that lead to car accidents, and ways in which these problems can be detected early.
1. Brakes
Brake pads will often let us know when they need replacing by making a distinctive screeching or scraping noise when in use. Other signs of worn brake pads include a pedal that slowly sinks to the floor, a soft or spongy feeling brake pedal, or the vehicle pulling to either side when brakes are being used.
2. Tires
It’s recommended to get new tires every six years. Incidents like hitting a curb or pothole can cause a tire to wear faster, creating bulges or bubbles which can lead to blowouts. Tires should be inspected for these kinds of imperfections on a regular basis. Also look for cracks in the tread and loss of air pressure.
3. Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers should be replaced every six months to a year. Signs that they’re wearing out are streaks and large areas missed by the wipers.
4. Head Lights
Without head lights, driving at night or during harsh weather conditions becomes very dangerous. It’s recommended that both head lights and tail lights are checked once a week, ensuring their illumination is at a safe level for maximum visibility.
5. Steering
The most common steering complaint is vibrating or locking. When the car is veering off to either side during acceleration or while using the brake, it’s time for a maintenance checkup. These issues can be related to the steering wheel itself, or the car’s tires.
Scheduling regular maintenance on your vehicle is important for your safety and the safety of other drivers. Statistics show that spending small amounts of money along the way towards maintenance will save a car owner thousands of dollars in the long run.
