According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 1-13. It’s essential to take steps to ensure that your car is as safe as possible. This article will give you ways to make sure your family car is safe.
Contents
Tires
First, make sure you regularly check your car’s tire pressure and overall wear. If the tires are worn or not inflated, you can face significant problems while driving on the road. This is especially important on wet roads since a vehicle with under-inflated tires will not handle well on dry roads. As you can imagine, trying to control a car with under-inflated tires during wet conditions is dangerous for both you and others around you. You should also check the tread on your tires. Worn tire tread can significantly increase your stopping distance, which will reduce the time you have to prevent an accident if trouble arises.
Brake System
Another area to check before taking your family on the road is your car’s brake system. Make sure that your brakes are not sticking, have any leaks, or are making noise. If your brakes are not fully functional, it could increase the risk of an accident. You should also check for rust on any brake lines. If there is rust, you will want to take time to replace the brake line(s) as soon as possible. Breaks are one of the most critical parts of your car to ensure it is in good working condition. If they stop working, you will likely experience an accident.
Suspension
Your car’s suspension is another vital part of your vehicle to check before taking it on the road. The suspension system plays a significant role in how well your car handles. Many components make up this system, including front and rear sway bars, rear control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and more. You should ensure that all of these components are working before you take your family on the road.
Lights
Make sure your headlights are clear and bright. If your headlights are not working or dimmer than they used to be, you should replace them immediately. It would be best if you always kept your headlights in good condition because they are necessary to help you see everything on the road around you. If there’s not enough lighting, it could be difficult for other drivers to see you, posing a problem when driving at night or during bad weather conditions.
Oil
Your car’s oil is essential to keeping your vehicle healthy and running smoothly. That is why it is vital to check the oil level before taking your family on the road. To do this, take out the car’s dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Then put the stick back in and pull it out again to see how much oil is on there. If you can see oil, your car has enough; if there’s no oil on the stick, you need to add more.
It is also essential to check how dirty the oil is before adding any new. If it’s black or appears sudsy or slippery, this could mean that contaminants (like coolant) are mixing with the oil, and this not only damages the engine and reduces the oil’s effectiveness. You should take your car to a mechanic if you notice that your oil is dirty or sudsy since there could be other problems that need attention.
Battery
One of the least obvious but most important parts of your car to check is the battery. A fully charged battery is necessary for your engine to start. Open the hood and take a look at the battery. If there is corrosion around the battery or your car struggles to start, then take it to a car shop to test the battery.
Hoses And Belts
You should also take a look at your car’s hoses and belts. The hoses are rubber tubes connecting different parts of your engine, while belts help components where they are needed. Ensure that all these hoses and belts are still in good condition, and if you notice any missing bits or appear discolored, you mustn’t drive your car until they have been replaced or examined by a professional.
Steering Wheel And Column
The steering wheel is attached to the column. Ensure that the steering wheel is secure and does not move around when you try to turn it. If there are any noises or problems with your car’s steering, you should have your mechanic check it out. Another thing to check is to make sure you have enough power steering fluid. If there is not, the vehicle will be harder to turn, and you can damage something if you continue to drive it.
Conclusion
Your family is very important to you, so making sure that the family car is safe before taking it on any road trip is necessary. Check each of the components listed above before going on a journey. If something needs repairs or replacing, take your vehicle in for servicing as soon as possible so that you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
