Each year, more than 10,000 car accidents happen in the United States, and about 400 Americans die from them annually. This is the consequence of failure to perform maintenance or routine check-ups on vehicles.
Cars are the basic means of transportation in the United States. 90% of American adults own or have previously owned one. Keeping the car in good shape means reducing the risk of mishap and ultimately death, protecting millions of drivers and their loved ones.
Before hitting the road, it is practical to check the following:
1. Tires – Most Americans are using what they call all-season tires. It is imperative to check the tires regularly. Ideally, this should be done every week.
2. Wipers – Ideally, wipers must be changed twice a year, preferably before spring and fall.
3. Brakes – Their main function is to slow down the car when it is needed. When the driver stepped on the brake pedal and it went to the floor all the way, the driver should smell danger. The latest cars are equipped with a brake warning light. It can be found on the dashboard. When something is not right in the car, it breaks up. Signaling the driver to check on the braking system. Checking the owner’s manual may help, but if it turns out to be complicated to handle, it is recommended to call a mechanic.
4. Headlights – More than 2,300 pedestrians died because drivers were either having eye problems or having issues with their headlights. Maintaining the vehicle headlights is one step closer to keeping the driver safe. They should be replaced at least once a year.
There are 10 common reasons why car owners visit the mechanic. These are the following:
1. Electronic/Ignition control
2. Electrical problem
3. Suspension/steering
4. Brake system
5. Oil change/filters/lube
6. Radiator problem
7. Exhaust system
8. Fuel system/carburetor
9. Clutch/transmission
10. Air conditioning system
Doing routine checkups and maintenance on a car can be expensive. Money has been the leading factor that holds back car owners from completing it. However, this should not be a problem; the key is knowing how to save on car repairs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion was spent on unnecessary auto repairs due to incompetence and fraud. The following are simple tips on how you can afford repairs when the car is not performing very well.
1. Preventive maintenance – This can save a lot of money in the long run because it prevents serious damage to the car. Regular checkups with the mechanic would put the car in good shape and prolong its life.
2. Estimate – Before letting the mechanic do the job, be sure to get a written estimate. To get an idea of how much you have to pay. If it is too much for the budget, shopping around would sound good.
3. Save – Cars need some rest, too. Overusing them may result in damage. To avoid this, try carpooling. Ask some coworkers in the area to try it out. It not only saves on maintenance but also on gas and parking expenses.
4. Do-it-Yourselfuself – Reading the car manual now and then increases the car owner’s knowledge about basic car problems and how to solve them. For example, changing the car oil cannot be too difficult to handle. Unusual noises coming from the car can be bothersome, but some car owners are now aware that it can be normal at times or can be easily corrected by consulting the car manual.
