From self-driving cars to rear-view cameras, the automotive industry continues to make substantial investments in new technology designed to keep us all safer on the road. It’s important to remember, though, that you can take automobile safety into your own hands. By conducting routine vehicle maintenance and adopting some simple strategies to keep your automobile working smoothly, you can avoid unnecessary fender-benders.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or train with an experienced mechanic to maintain your vehicle. You can actually tackle these five vehicle maintenance issues yourself.
- Check your tire tread once a month.
Why is checking your tread so important? Ensuring you have adequate traction can help reduce your risk of losing control of your vehicle, especially when driving in wet conditions.
One popular and easy rule of thumb is to place a penny in the groove of the tire with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see Lincoln’s entire face, it’s time to replace your tires.
- Replace wiper blades.
Wiper blades that leave your windshield blurry are more than just an inconvenience. During heavy downpours, properly functioning wiper blades can save your life. If you can’t see, take a few extra minutes to pick up some replacements to ensure you can see the road clearly in the rain.
- Replace cracked windshields.
Driving your car with a cracked windshield can severely impair your visibility – making it harder to see road hazards and other drivers. If you start to see cracks, don’t procrastinate and take your car in for repairs. Or, you can even buy a repair kit at your local auto parts store and fix it yourself.
- Inspect your lights.
Even if you rarely drive at night frequently, keep your headlights and brake lights in working order.
- Keep your gas tank fueled up.
It’s easy to get distracted and not see your fuel gauge dipping low. Running out of gas isn’t just nuisance. Having your car stall out on a busy highway can put you, at other drivers at risk.
A part of the Knoxville, TN community since 1946, the John Bailey Company knows that you need more than the run-of-the-mill coverage offered by other insurers. That’s why our policies are designed especially for car owners in East Tennessee. Learn the advantages of our customized coverage for your home and auto. Call 865.524.0785 or email brandon@johnbaileyco.com for a free policy quote.