From a young age, we all learn about the best ways to stay safe when out and about. We understand the importance of waiting for train signals to clear, to stop at pedestrian crossings, and to look both ways before crossing the road. As we get older and gain our driver’s licences, we again learn different ways of staying safe. Using your turn signal, stopping at junctions, and wearing a seatbelt should help to prevent us from attaining damage or injury.
This is not always the case, as unfortunately road incidents and subsequent injuries are common all across the world – click the link for a car accident attorney with offices in Gulfport – but seat belts can help to minimize any damages.
While you may pay attention to dangers when driving, such as other road users, the potential for children or animals to wander onto the road, changing weather conditions, or unstable road surfaces, there are also other safety aspects that need to be considered.
Your car should always be in a roadworthy condition. While this would be assessed and confirmed on an annual basis when you take your car to the garage to be serviced, there is a possibility that problems may occur in the interim.
It is up to you, as the driver and car owner, to keep an eye out for these and either resolve any problems yourself or book in to seek help from a specialist vehicle technician.
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Engine Oil
Your car contains oil that helps to lubricate the engine and keep everything running smoothly. To avoid damage or breakdowns, this should be checked regularly. You can do so by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, and replacing it. Pull it out again to check the level. There are generally two notches on the stick. The one at the bottom of the stick is the minimum level your car should have.
Any less than this, and it will require topping up. The higher notch is the maximum level. If the oil is above this, too much has been put into the car and some will need to be drained off. The oil level should be between these two notches to help your car run at its best.
Lighting
Particularly for driving in fog, mist, heavy rain, or snow, as well as the dark, your car lights are there to both help you to see and help others notice your presence. A non-functioning automotive light could potentially jeopardise your safety, as well as that of others. It is important that any bulbs are replaced as soon as possible. If this does not fix the issue, you will need to take it to a repair shop immediately.
Driving safely and looking after your vehicle go hand in hand. Without proper maintenance, your car will not be able to look after you and help others to notice both you and your intended actions. A vehicle should be serviced yearly, at the very minimum, and any problems resolved sooner rather than later, to avoid further damage or accidents.
