When traveling, most people spend a great deal of time on the packing aspect of a vacation. If you’re planning on a road trip, you want to pay as much attention to your vehicle as you do to what clothes and shoes to bring. Checking your vehicle may prevent a devastating accident. According to one Atlanta accident attorney firm,
“(Accident) liability is premised upon an individual’s duty to safely operate a motor vehicle.”
Part of that duty is taking the necessary precautions to keep your car properly maintained and in good driving condition. In order to have a safe and relaxing trip, and prevent avoidable injuries on the road, you need to check the following items before driving on your next vacation.
Vehicle Brakes
Although often difficult to prove, brake failure can be one of the main causes of car accidents, resulting in driver and passenger injuries. Properly working brakes can help you stop quickly and keep you accident-free when traveling the open highways. You can do your part for you and your family by making sure that your brakes are in top working condition. Several problems to look for include grinding, unique vibrations or the vehicle pulls to one side.
Tire Pressure
In addition to road trips with the family, you want to check the tire pressure of your car on a weekly basis. This is especially important if you’re planning to put a lot of mileage on your vehicle. A tire pressure check takes a few minutes, and it’s easy to do. You’ll need the assistance of a tire gauge and an air compressor hose if your tires are lacking. In addition to vehicle safety, you’ll be able to get more mileage in and save money on fuel.
Battery
One of the most common causes of vehicle hazards and breakdowns is the battery. Today’s batteries found in newer cars are typically maintenance-free. However, you need to thoroughly check it over before embarking on your vacation.
If you see any cracks or holes in the battery, you need to change it. You should also think about getting a new one if it’s older than 5 years old. You don’t want to be on a dark and abandoned road with your family and have your battery die.
Vehicle Fluids
Checking to ensure that your vehicle has been properly maintained with the right fluids can get you to your destination safely. Some important areas to check include the transmission, windshield washer, brake and power steering fluids. This should also include the engine’s oil and coolant. You can also perform a vehicle leak test in your own driveway before your trip by letting the car run for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. After you’ve parked your vehicle over a large piece of paper or cardboard, you can check to see if anything has leaked through.
After all, no need to wait for a sudden downpour on the interstate to discover that your wiper blades are cracked or warped. This is one very small item that could have tremendous repercussions if they fail.
Lights
If you are traveling at night or on a cloudy day, you’re going to need the lights of your vehicle to be in prime condition for you to see the roadway properly. Lights you need to check for can include the low and high beams, brake lights, turn signals, hazards and headlights. Adequate lighting will help you to navigate the road and see other pedestrians and drivers.
Whether you’re heading for a long vacation far away or getting away for just the weekend, you’ll want to keep your family safe. According to statistics from The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT),
“Road crashes are the leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, and the second leading cause of death worldwide among young people ages 5-14.”
A thorough vehicle check-up can ensure your family’s safety and help you arrive to your destination without any issues or complaints.
Freelance author J.L. Williams appreciates sharing information which make life less stressful. Experienced injury attorneys, Stokes & Kopitsky, provide detailed information at http://www.stokesinjurylawyers.com/.
