One of the simplest ways to avoid collisions is to ensure your car is ready for the road. Whether following a car maintenance checklist or a suggested car maintenance schedule, keeping your car running smoothly is the responsibility of every car owner.
Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding a more costly repair or replacement to your vehicle down the line. It also helps spot serious issues that could cause collisions.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. Our handy car maintenance checklist is here to guide you through the entire process of routine car maintenance to keep you and your car safe.
What Maintenance Does a Car Need?
Let’s first look at the connection between car maintenance and collisions. You may ask “what maintenance does a car need?” and wonder how that maintenance translates into a safer vehicle.
There are many parts of a vehicle that require regular maintenance, and each of these parts can affect your driving if they aren’t in good shape. Improper maintenance is a leading cause of severe car crashes. Let’s look at the consequences of failing to perform proper vehicle maintenance:
- Infrequent oil changes can affect vehicle handling. The driver can lose control of the vehicle and cause or contribute to an accident.
- Malfunctioning lights—turn signals, headlights, or brake lights—affect your vehicle’s visibility on the road. Without working vehicle lights, other cars can’t see you in the dark or know your intentions when braking, turning, or changing lanes.
- Defective brakes lengthen stop time and are unreliable. They could cause a collision if you can’t stop quickly.
- Worn or improperly inflated tires are at a higher risk of blow-outs and will affect vehicle handling. A blow-out can steer the car in the wrong direction or slow down the car when not safe.
- Failing wiper blades reduce your visibility when driving. If the weather conditions make it hard to see out the windshield, and your wipers don’t work properly, you could drive into another vehicle, miss something on the road, or miss traffic lights and stop signs.
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9 Car Maintenance Checklist Items
Do your part to avoid these risks. Use this car checklist to properly maintain your vehicle. Many of these checklist items are quick and simple to complete.
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Avoid Collisions with Essential Car Maintenance
Is car maintenance essential? We say yes! We’ve explained how regular car maintenance is a simple step to help avoid serious accidents.
A well-maintained vehicle keeps you and others on the road safe. Ask a mechanic to run through this car checklist the next time you bring it into the shop as a proactive step that can give you peace of mind on the road.
Read More: So You’re in a Car Crash: Now What?
When Accidents Happen, Call CSN Heartland
Even with a car maintenance checklist, accidents can still happen. If you’ve experienced a collision, our team at CSN Heartland is ready and capable of returning your vehicle to its former glory. We also partner with dealerships who can perform the regular maintenance tasks to keep your car running smoothly.
With over fifty years of experience, we specialize in auto body repairs, paint refinishing, collision-related mechanical repair. Leave your car repairs with us and get back on the road in no time.
