During summer, kids are out of school, adults get time off work, and that means people spend drivers are on the road. Teenage drivers will be driving to friends houses, families will be taking long road trips for vacation, and much more. In order to keep safe on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has shared some driving tips about things you should do before you leave for your drive in order to prevent car accidents.
Check your vehicle's tire pressure at least once a month.
Examine your wiper blades for wear and tear.
Check your cooling system.
Check your fluid levels.
Check all of your lights.
Check your air conditioning performance.
It's important to check your car's tire pressure, especially when they're cold. All tires naturally lose air over time, and under-inflation is the number one cause of tire failure. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on the driver's door pillar or in the owner's manual. You should also take time to check your tires for uneven wear. According to the NHTSA, if the tread of your tires is worn down to 1/16 off an inch, it's time to replace your tires.
After heavy amounts of rain and snow from the winter months, especially in Michigan, windshield wipers may need to be replaced. Wiper blades are also extremely vulnerable in heat, and if they aren't in mint condition, you should invest in new ones before you take off. Another important thing to check is your cooling system. When the engine hasn't been running and the engine is cool, you should should check your coolant level to make sure it is full. The radiator in your vehicle needs the right levels of water and coolant in order to function properly. Similar to coolant levels, you should also check your car's oil level. Oil, brake, transmission, power, steering, and windshield washer fluids are all equally important and should be at high levels before you leave.
Also, In addition to these tips, you should also ensure that all of your car's lights are working including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights, and trailer lights. When these lights don't work, it can be a serious hazard. Air conditioning is also important to check. Lack of air conditioning on hot summer days can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
If your vehicle has any problems with these features they can possibly lead to motor vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in any type of auto accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our Metro Detroit accident lawyers are experienced in handling all types of auto accident and motorcycle accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.