Whether you are heading out-of-town or are going on a short drive to the supermarket, driving a car safely is a must. Canada tallies approximately 300,000 car accidents every year, of which more than 100,000 are serious enough to inflict personal injuries in 2019. Looking at the numbers makes it important to know how to avoid a car accident. While you have no control over how other drivers handle their vehicles, you can always ensure that yours is in good working order to avoid any issues while on the road. Anyone who wants peace of mind before traveling should have their vehicle inspected thoroughly.
What to Check in a Car before Driving
Vehicles need constant inspection and upkeep. Not only is it cost-effective in the long run, but it’s also necessary for your safety, as some maintenance concerns might lead to an accident or injuries if you ignore them. Here are 10 things you should check before driving your car:
Battery
A car with a dead battery is rendered immobile. In more severe cases, a malfunctioning battery can fail unexpectedly, potentially leaving you stranded in an inconvenient location. This situation can not only cause traffic disruptions but may also lead to accidents, posing a significant safety risk. Such a scenario is particularly undesirable, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.
Before setting out, ensure your battery is sufficiently charged, the terminals are clean, and there is a secure cable-to-terminal connection. Typically, car batteries have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years. If yours is approaching the end of its serviceable life, it’s advisable to schedule a replacement.
Brakes
Brakes are one component of your car that should never be taken for granted. A faulty brake is a disaster waiting to happen. Brake problems are one of the most common contributing factors to car accidents. Don’t wait until the brake pads start squealing before checking them.
Reduce your chances of being in a car accident by making sure your brake system is in good working order before you leave the garage. The brake pedal should be pressed to the floor. It should be firm and offer minimal resistance. Otherwise, your car may be unroadworthy and in the event of a car accident you will need to contact our accident car lawyer.
Fluids
One of the most important problems that motorists should be aware of is fluid levels, which don’t get checked often enough. Your car’s oil keeps everything functioning smoothly, and it can’t run without the proper amount of oil. You can check your oil level by simply removing the dipstick and looking at the level.
Coolant is another crucial fluid to inspect in your vehicle. It helps in maintaining the engine’s optimal operating temperature range. In the winters in Canada, you’ll need enough antifreeze in your automobile to keep it running smoothly. The effects of cold weather on your vehicle are significant.
Lights
If you’ll be driving at night or in foggy conditions, make sure all of your car’s lights are operating properly — especially if you’re visiting an area you’re not familiar with. This is a basic yet necessary routine car check-up.
It’s risky if any of your car’s lights aren’t working properly. Regularly, check your turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and, of course, your headlights. Although you are more likely to detect a broken headlight, burned-out brake light or taillight may go unnoticed. These features are critical for informing other drivers of what you’re doing or going to do and avoiding collisions. If any of your vehicle’s lights are not working properly, you may also receive a penalty.
Steering
While the steering wheel itself is designed for intuitive use, the steering system beneath it can be deceptively intricate. When a driver experiences a loss of control over the steering, it can lead to grave accidents. Even seasoned drivers may struggle to predict how the car will respond to steering adjustments if they encounter a loss of power steering, diminished responsiveness from the wheel, or encounter unexpected vibrations. Especially at high speeds, steering problems significantly challenge a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, navigate turns, and evade an impending collision.
Tire And Wheels
Your vehicle’s tires are possibly the most vital component, and they must be in excellent condition if you are driving for long periods. Driving on worn-out tires can result in a tragic collision. So, before heading out on the road, take a few minutes to inspect your tires for bulges, bumps, tears, and other indicators of deterioration.
Even if they are not on a road trip, drivers should check their tire pressure regularly. If a tire is overinflated, the centre will wear out first, and if it is underinflated, the sides and edges will wear out first. Keep in mind that under-inflated tires might cause blowouts while driving, which can result in a crash.
Wipers
While not typically top of mind when considering causes of car accidents, windshield wipers play a crucial safety role in any vehicle. Any defects in them can elevate the risk of an accident.
In the event of a failure, your visibility, particularly during adverse weather conditions, is likely to be significantly impaired. Consequently, the likelihood of being involved in a car accident increases, especially in inclement weather.
Always check your vehicle before driving to ensure it is in good working order to keep you safe and in control of the road. If you have been involved in an accident, do not hesitate to contact our car accident lawyer near me for help.
Our car accident lawyer works in Ontario. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve, give us a call.
