This time of year, you may find yourself spending more time behind the wheel. Whether you are taking frequent short trips across town, or you are preparing for a long road trip across the country, car safety should always be top of mind. Don’t let your busy schedule put you at risk for potential car trouble. Use this car safety checklist to ensure you are keeping yourself, your passengers, and your fellow drivers safe every time you take to the road.
Schedule Your Service
Getting your car serviced is essential and can alert you to issues with your vehicle so you can avoid any dangerous breakdowns from occurring. Get in the habit of scheduling an appointment to have your car serviced regularly.
Check For Recalls
While it doesn’t happen often, it is important to stay up to date on recalled vehicles and be knowledgeable about your own car. Before your next trip, search for your specific car and look for notices about repairs. You can find information about specific recalled vehicles by searching by the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number here.
Tire Pressure
It is important to remember to check your tire pressure before any long trip, but this quick inspection should still be done once every month! Take a look at your tires and your spare tire and check their condition and tire pressure. Your owner’s manual will specify how often you should be changing your tires. Take a look at your tire’s tread and replace any tire that shows signs of uneven wear. Learn more about how checking your tires can prevent an accident here.
Battery Check
As the weather gets cooler, your battery power may begin to weaken. If you drive a traditional gas-powered car, it will take more battery power to start your car once the temperature drops. During your service appointment, have your mechanic check your battery for proper voltage and reserve capacity and replace your battery when necessary.
Check All Lights
Your car lights ensure that other drivers can see you on the road. Check regularly that all of your lights are working properly and are bright enough to be seen by the other cars on the road. These lights include your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, all interior lights, and your emergency signals.
Checking your car for safety concerns should be a priority before any trip, but make sure you not forgetting about these steps throughout the year. You should always be aware of what is going on with your vehicle and taking the necessary steps needed to keep your car safe for yourself, and those around you. You can learn more about safety-related car defects and how they may affect your vehicle here. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an auto accident due to a safety-related defect, please contact us or call 800-676-5295. We will be happy to assist you with your questions and help you to determine your options.
