Start your year off well by prioritizing your safety. There are easy steps you can take that could prevent you from ending up on the roadside. With our experience on the road, the Pantusa Towing crew has witnessed firsthand many roadside emergencies which could have been avoided altogether by following a simple safety checklist. We have compiled a checklist for vehicle maintenance you can implement to stay on the road and avoid having to call for a tow.
· Look at Those Tires—Tires must endure a great deal since they directly connect with the road. If your tires are going bald and losing their tread, you may face a tire emergency soon if you do not replace them. Not only could they be punctured more easily, but your car will struggle to grip the road properly. Bald tires are especially dangerous in wet or icy conditions. If your tires are worn out, damaged, or old, be proactive and have them replaced. Tires can be expensive, but they are much more affordable than the cost of an accident. If your tires look good, have a tread, and appear free from leaks or tears, you can consider them safe for now.
· Check The Pressure in Your Tires
Just because your tires do not appear flat does not mean that the pressure is right. Grab your tire pressure gauge and check all four tires. Make sure that all your tires are filled to the suggested pressure for your vehicle. For many vehicles, you can find the recommended PSI on the inside of the driver’s door. If you do not own an air compressor, many gas stations offer air for free or under $2.
· Get a Friend to Help You Check Your Lights
Lights are vitally important to your safety and the safety of your fellow motorists. Many accidents are caused because one driver had one burned out light and was not visible. You need to check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. You can check your own headlights, taillights, and turn signals pretty easily, but a friend is helpful for checking your brake lights. Your lights help you communicate and stay visible to other drivers, so make sure all your lights are functioning properly. If you have a burned out light, you can choose to DIY change the bulb or some auto part stores will change the bulb for you after your purchase.
· Look for a Leak
If you look underneath your parked car and see a wet spot on the concrete, you may have a leak. A car that leaks antifreeze, brake fluid, or transmission fluid could have serious problems. Schedule a visit to your mechanic right away when you notice a leak.
· Evaluate Your Wipers
The worst time to find out that your wipers are worn out is during a rainstorm. Being proactive with wiper inspections will keep you safer when a storm hits. If you are unsure about their condition, try spraying some window cleaner on your windshield and turning them on. If your windshield is wiped clean, your wipers are doing their job. If your windshield is all covered with streaks or smears, you probably should purchase a new set of wipers. Thankfully, wiper replacement is a very simple DIY maintenance task.
· Stop Ignoring Warning Lights
If you have a light on alerting you of a problem, take it seriously. Warning lights are designed to identify problems before a major issue occurs in many cases. Take your car to the mechanic if any warning lights are on. Your mechanic can explain the warning lights and make sure your car is in good repair.
· Check Your Steering
Being able to steer is obviously important for your safety while driving. Find an empty parking lot and see if your wheel will turn completely in all directions. If you notice any issues, go see your mechanic.
· Inspect the Battery
Make it a seasonal habit to check your battery. When you look at the battery, make sure that there are no signs of corrosion. If your car has had trouble starting or your window is struggling to go up and down, call your mechanic. Being stuck on the road or in a parking lot with a dead battery is inconvenient and unpleasant.
· Make Sure Your Car Is Not Thirsty
Your car needs more than just gas to keep running ideally. You need to make sure that your car’s other fluids, such as oil, antifreeze, and wiper fluid, are appropriately filled.
· Glance at Your Hoses and Belts
You do not have to be a mechanic or car enthusiast to know if your hoses and belts are noticeably frayed or damaged. If you notice any issues with your hoses and belts, visit your mechanic.
Being proactive can save you hassle on the roadside. If you do have an emergency, Pantusa Towing is always here for you!