Stay Safe on the Road: 5 Crucial Car Care Tips

Stay Safe on the Road: 5 Crucial Car Care Tips

Posted on March 25, 2024

According to the World Health Organization, about 1.9 million people die each year from road accidents, with most of the victims between ages 5 and 29. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are the most vulnerable and make up for more than 50% of deaths. While the road can be quite dangerous, you can improve your safety behind the wheel, along with the safety of those around you, significantly with some crucial care tips. 

You should make sure to keep your vehicles in their best shape, for which an appropriate maintenance routine is vital. However, if you’re planning a road trip, you should be extra careful. Otherwise, you’ll risk failures and malfunctions along the way, which can delay your journey and compromise your safety. 

Here are five car care tips you must follow to do your part in keeping roads safer.  

Tire Conditions

All tires should be equally inflated. They should also have the same pressure and not be damaged by wear and tear. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause several problems, including decreased fuel efficiency and reduced contact area, which can also compromise their durability. 

Forget about the myth that your tires should be inflated only when they “feel soft.” Check the air pressure on all tires with a gauge and pump them when necessary. Tire pressure should be checked monthly, but it’s mandatory before hitting the road. 

Brakes

You’ll never know when you might need to brake abruptly to avoid an accident. In such cases, your brakes must be in perfect condition. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your brakes’ performance, like pulsation noises or a longer time to stop the vehicle, you must get them fixed before going on your journey.

Many drivers assume that screeching is a sign of an engine problem, but it’s not necessarily so. If you hear screeching, it might be because your brake pads need replacement. 

Engine Conditions

Not all the problems betray their presence with unusual noises. An engine is a complex combination of components working together, including the radiator, coolants, an oil filter, etc. Remember that screeching noise? It can also be due to engine issues. 

It’s highly advisable to check your engine before road trips and ensure all parts are working in tune. Your engine’s belts and hoses also can suffer from wear and tear over time. Get those inspected and replace them if necessary. 

Battery, Oil and Fluids

Your battery is what keeps your vehicle running. If it has any problems, your vehicle won’t work, even if the engine is fine. Make sure it’s adequately installed and that all terminals are clean. Check your battery’s potency before putting it to the test on the road. 

Low oil and fluid levels can also cause a long list of problems, including engine overheating and steering wheel jams. Keep your engine oil at the indicated level. You can also check its freshness by observing its colour, which should be light bronze. Additionally, refill your steering wheel fluid to prevent jamming.  

Air Conditioning

Your vehicle might not stop if you have a problem with your air conditioner, but it can seriously compromise the comfort of your trip. Indeed, it can be a critical issue for those travelling under extreme weather conditions. Common air conditioning issues include low levels of refrigerant and leaks. Be sure to inspect your air conditioning system and restore refrigerant levels if necessary.   

Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

Safety always leads the way for any journey. You’ll find the best maintenance services at Scarsview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat in Scarborough, ON. Get in touch for more information.