Every day, people are getting into their cars and driving to work. They don’t think about the dangers that they might face on the way there. Unexpected car troubles can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to minimize your risk of getting hurt or having a total cost in damages.
1) Maintain Your Car Regularly
Regular maintenance of your car is the easiest way to avoid unplanned expenses and ensure that your vehicle operates safely each day. Over time, parts will wear down and should be replaced before they fail you at the worst possible moment. You don’t want faulty brakes or tires to lead to an accident, so keep your car in good shape. Regular car maintenance includes checking the tire pressure, fluid levels, battery connections, and replacing air filters. It’s also a good idea to check your owner’s manual or do an online search for tips related to your specific make and model on how you can care for it more effectively.
2) Check Your Engine Before The Trip
Before you drive long distances, it’s important to check whether your car is in working order. Make sure that the oil level is correct and that all fluids (such as coolant, brake fluid, etc.) are checked. If anything seems amiss, don’t take chances, schedule an appointment with your mechanic before any long drives or trips. If your engine doesn’t work properly, you might find yourself in need of towing services since your car won’t run without a functioning engine. Because of this, it’s always good to have a number of towing services on hand or at least a couple of friends that can help you out.
3) Check Your Tires Before The Trip
Your tires play a crucial role in your ability to drive. If you’re heading on an extended road trip, it’s important that they are in good condition and have sufficient tread depth. Driving around with worn or bald tires is dangerous because of the increased risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Furthermore, the device that keeps you connected to your wheels (the lug nuts) can fracture and leave you stranded. When heading out on a drive, make sure to check all of these components before putting your car in gear.
4) Drive Slower
Driving faster than you can handle is dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions or if your car seems to be acting up. Driving faster than 100 mph doesn’t mean that you’ll get there faster, it just puts you and other drivers at risk of an accident. Maintaining a safe speed and slowing down in bad weather conditions will lessen the risk of an accident. Always make sure to respect the driving limits and reduce your speed if needed. Driving fast is not only dangerous, but it increases the risk of getting pulled over by police officers.
5) Check Your Brakes Before Going Downhill
Water and brakes do not mix well, so it’s best to ease off the gas while you’re going downhill. Also, check that your brake lights are working before starting down any hill or incline. If you experience any problems with them (such as squeaking or grinding), don’t ignore them. Your brake pads may be worn down and could fail you on the road. If this happens, you don’t want to get caught in your car with no brakes.
6) Stay Away From Potholes
Potholes can be more than just an annoying inconvenience. If you strike a pothole, your vehicle could jerk out of control and cause an accident. Furthermore, if you hit a pothole from the front or back at high speed, then you could end up with a flat tire even if it’s properly inflated. It’s best to drive cautiously around these hazardous terrain obstacles and avoid them altogether.
7) Have Some Friends On Speed Dial
You never know when you might need a version of a roadside assistance service. If your car breaks down and you’re stranded by the road, this can be a scary experience. The good news is that there are plenty of services available which have been designed to get drivers out of tough situations. If you or a loved one is in need of emergency assistance, make sure to put the numbers for your roadside assistance services on speed dial and share them with your friends and family.
8) Stay Calm
When dealing with unexpected events on the road, it’s easy to become anxious or stressed out. However, this will only make the situation worse and could cause you to lose focus and control. Instead of panicking, stay calm and do your best to handle the situation as smoothly as possible. If something is dangerous (such as a steering problem), pull over to a safe space as soon as you can. Stay there until the problem gets resolved. Remember that your car is not the only thing on the road, so give yourself enough time and space to safely meet your current needs.
9) Get Your Car Repaired
If something appears to be severely wrong with your car, don’t ignore it. It’s best for you and other drivers on the road to get your vehicle checked out by a professional mechanic sooner rather than later. This can prevent major problems from arising or becoming worse in the future.
Driving isn’t easy and car troubles can be frustrating and stressful. To minimize the risk of getting hurt, always check your car before driving it to make sure there are no issues. Stay away from potholes and be a safe driver so that your car will thank you for it. Go slowly on hills and don’t drive too fast. Keep your brakes in good condition before driving downhill to make sure you can stop safely if necessary. If something goes wrong, don’t panic and stay calm while you take care of the situation. Know who to call in case of an emergency and always get your car checked out after an accident. Have these tips in mind when going somewhere and both you and your car will be thankful for it.
