A car is a huge investment that deserves protection. No matter how careful and skillful you are, accidents happen, but there are measures one can take to ensure maximum safety and the condition of their car. There are several safety measures you can take to keep your car in mint condition. Below are eight for your consideration.
1. Make Sure Your Car Is Running Smoothly
Regular car maintenance can save money and prevent unexpected mechanical failures. You want to avoid getting stranded in the middle of the night with nowhere to turn to. Instead, take maximum safety to prevent that from happening, and this starts with ensuring your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
General car maintenance like lubricating door latches, changing air filters, checking tire pressure and rotation, swapping spark plugs, and doing a brake job are some of the measures you can take to ensure your car is running smoothly. Always keep your car clean by regularly waxing and washing to prevent rust and other damage to the body and paint. Also, clean the interior of your car to get rid of clutter and prevent the wear and tear of your upholstery.
There are several driveline repair services and transmission shops you can select from to do all the dirty work for you, like maintenance, repairs, and replacement of transmissions. Get a well-trained, skilled transmission technician to routinely attend to your car since they have the right tools, equipment, and technology needed. You want your car to run efficiently and smoothly for as long as possible.
There are other things you can do to keep your car running smoothly, like regularly changing the oil and checking fluids. It’s important to check your car’s fluid because low fluids can cause serious problems. The fluids include brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. It also helps to drive carefully since how you drive your car impacts its longevity and performance.
Avoid harsh braking and sudden acceleration when driving and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Always inspect the brakes, as they are the most critical safety features in a car. Ensure the brakes are in good condition and are running correctly by regularly checking and replacing the pads to ensure maximum safety.
Using the right fuel for your car is non-negotiable. Consistently stick to the right fuel for your vehicle as per the manufacturer’s manual. Don’t overload your vehicle, as this can stress your car’s engine and other components, leading to unexpected and premature wear and tear. Usually, your car’s manufacturer guide will indicate the weight limits. Don’t exceed them. Use high-quality parts when replacing car parts. Go for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure your car’s maximum safety.
2. Be Prepared for Transportation and Tows
You could be driving when, suddenly, your car breaks down in the middle of the road. At this time, you’ll need to have contacts of a tow truck service that’s safe and dependable. They exist to deal with emergencies such as the one you have. Getting a skilled and knowledgeable driver with the required tools and equipment is essential as they can tow your car to another location or garage, saving you the hitch for towing, anxiety, risk, and any other types of harm resulting from an attempt to drive an immobilized vehicle.
Since the primary goal of a tow truck service is to quickly and safely move a broken-down vehicle to the nearest shop for repairs and then to your preferred location or a storage facility, it’s essential to have a reliable tow truck service. Notably, most tow truck service providers offer quick response times and operate an around-the-clock service. This means you can always get help, irrespective of the time of day. Towing your car alone may seem cheap, but you’ll likely incur other repair costs if your car gets damaged. To avoid additional costs on repair, get a tow truck service as it’s cheaper in the long run than DIY.
3. Purchase Insurance
Most states require one to have vehicle insurance for maximum safety. Suppose you are at fault in a car accident. In that case, the car insurance policy will cover incurred losses, such as damage to your vehicle property due to the accident and the other party’s medical bills. In case you’re sued over an accident, the auto liability coverage for your car will take care of your legal fees.
While mandatory liability coverage helps you pay for damage to another car owner, even if you own your vehicle, it’s essential to have comprehensive collision coverage for your car. Comprehensive coverage helps you pay for repairs or replacements other than a collision. For instance, if your car gets damaged by the elements, such as a hailstorm, or if it gets stolen, catches fire, or objects fall on it, collision coverage may help you repair it regardless of fault. For instance, you may hit something accidentally, like a mailbox, damaging your car’s front bumper.
Purchasing car insurance saves you money in case you’re involved in an accident. You may have to spend money from your pocket to fix the car if you don’t have comprehensive collision coverage. Auto insurance protects passengers through medical payment coverage, including personal injury protection, which helps you settle medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident. The coverage may cover doctor’s bills, surgery, and hospital visits.
Although liability coverage is legally required, many drivers don’t have it. If you get into a head-on collision with a driver without liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may offset your medical bills. Proper vehicle insurance ensures maximum safety for your car. It also goes beyond fulfilling legal requirements, helping you protect your wallet and your vehicle, so you can enjoy peace of mind.
4. Find Somewhere Safe to Store Your Vehicle
If you’re planning to travel and have to leave your car behind, you’ll need a safe space to park it for the duration. Whether taking a vacation to escape the biting winter cold or going on a business trip, you must ensure your car is stored safely. You can store your car in climate-controlled storage units, especially during the cold weather. You can also get luxury storage facilities that feature climate-controlled storage spaces to give your car maximum safety while you’re away.
Maximum safety for your car is essential as it reduces the chances of getting stolen or vandalized. Most likely, you have a securely locked garage in your home to store your car for extended periods. Get a garage door installation company to install a garage using the best practices in the market. If you already have one in place, your commercial garage door repairs company must maintain and take care of your garage door repairs whenever needed.
Parking your car securely applies not only to your home garage but also to the indoor car park. Keep your valuables out of view, as one of the main reasons your car can be broken into is leaving your valuables on display. Some valuable examples are loose change, expensive wear, electronics, and sat nav holders. Take your valuables out of your car when leaving them in a parking lot, or keep them out of sight. A good place to hide them is in the trunk to ensure maximum safety.
Invest in a central locking system or a car alarm. These are, however, standard features in most cars. If your car has no alarm or central locking system, install one immediately. A car alarm makes your vehicle less susceptible to theft. Car thieves avoid such cars.
5. Get the Appropriate Car Maintenance
Proper car maintenance ensures maximum safety and dependability, besides increasing fuel efficiency. Performing simple, inexpensive maintenance may save you gasoline costs of as much as 1,200 dollars annually, according to the Car Care Council. Today, spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. In the past, vehicle ‘tune-up’ was associated with routine replacement of key ignition parts, such as ignition points and spark plugs, including basic engine adjustments.
Besides ensuring your car’s safety and dependability, get auto repair services to safeguard your vehicle’s value. Among car parts you need to inspect constantly include battery (charging and starting), fuel, ignition, emissions, powertrain control, onboard diagnostic checks, and truck and trailer alignments if you own one. Consult your vehicle’s manual for guidance on preventive vehicle maintenance.
Preventive maintenance includes regularly replenishing the coolant system, inspecting the battery, and regularly changing the oil filter and oil every 3,000 miles. Although sensors on some new car models alert you when it’s time to change oil, do this every three months. Check your car brakes to see if there are unusual noises emanating from that area or a gentle tug on the steering wheel when stopping. When this happens, check your braking system.
6. Make Sure Your Parts Are Up-to-Date
Keep your vehicle up to date, as this can prevent expensive repairs and retain the value of your car should you decide to sell it. Regularly take your car for a routine check at a qualified repair shop. One key maintenance tip is to regularly tune up your car by using genuine parts.
Car professionals not only check the tire pressure, they also rotate them. They regularly inspect the windshield wiper kits, check the engine air filter, and test the headlights and taillights. Other parts a car professional will inspect include belts and hoses, but the most important aspect of the car maintenance routine is keeping it clean and taking it for check-ups once a year.
7. Prepare for Emergencies
Nobody intentionally drives themselves in an emergency, especially on the road. It takes preparation and forethought to be more confident on the road and to adapt to less-than-ideal circumstances. For peace of mind, carry emergency supplies in your car, such as the most useful tools, which can be handy in an emergency. You need a vehicle emergency kit, and if you don’t know which is ideal for your car, get recommendations for a roadside assistance vehicle tool kit from a car repair shop.
Your car repair technician is a great source of information. They’ll advise you to have a multipurpose tool, wrenches, tire iron and gauge, an inflated spare tire as per your vehicle’s specs, duct tape, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, flashlight, extra batteries, pylons or reflective triangles, and reflective tape. Others include weather-specific items like a windshield washer fluid, cat litter for traction, a shovel, snow brush, and water for cooling some of the parts in your vehicle tool kit.
Other emergency tool kits for your vehicle include blankets and warm clothing, a reflective vest, a rain poncho, drinking water, a phone charger compatible with your vehicle, a compass, and relevant maps. You also need to have high-energy, non-perishable foods like nuts, granola bars, hard candy, and dried fruits in case you’ll be driving for long distances. You’ll need a first-aid kit, which includes scissors, tweezers, hydrocortisone, instant cold compress, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen or aspirin, and gauze, tape, and bandages in case of injuries.
8. Make Sure You’re Ready to Drive!
It’s finally time to get behind the wheel. Driving takes time, practice, dedication, and a thorough knowledge of every button, icon, pedal, and symbol in your car. You may need a crash course on defensive driving courses and some basic car maintenance. Never drive without a driver’s license, as it’s a legal requirement.
Adopt safe driving habits for the maximum safety of your car and other drivers. Look around to ensure no obstacles or damage to your car, such as scratches. Adjust your seat for a clear view and convenience in accessing the accelerator and brake. Also, ensure you’re at least ten inches from the airbag so that if it explodes, you won’t get hurt. Adjust your headrest for safety and the steering wheel and mirrors. This is critical since cars have blind spots resulting from improperly adjusted mirrors.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road. In case of an emergency such as an accident, a car that’s well maintained is likely to suffer minimal damage. Before hitting the road, get a mechanic to check and repair your vehicle. If the brakes are faulty, get them replaced or repaired. In case of an emergency, a reliable car minimizes the damage or helps you mitigate it. An emergency kit with relevant tools will get you back on the road as soon as possible. It’s also essential to adopt good driving habits to maximize safety for you and your car.