Collisions occur on the roadways every day for a variety of reasons. While distracted and impaired driving are often cited as leading causes, poor vehicle maintenance can also put you at risk. In fact, car accident attorneys sometimes file personal injury claims for clients due to maintenance issues. To keep your vehicle in safe operating condition, follow these steps.

How to Keep Your Car Running Safely

1. Check Your Tire Pressure & Tread

Getting a flat tire or experiencing a blowout could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Uneven tire pressure among the vehicle’s four tires can cause the vehicle to handle poorly.  This is why it’s crucial to monitor your tire pressure and tread carefully. Test for proper inflation monthly, and have your tires rotated according to the manufacturer’s schedule to prevent uneven wear.

2. Inspect Your Brakes

Brakes are one of the most essential safety features of a car. If your brakes aren’t in good shape, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Have your brake pads and hoses checked annually, and top off the brake fluid when necessary. If your vehicle’s instrumentation indicates a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), have it checked out as soon as possible by a qualified technician.  If you notice it’s taking longer than usual to stop or the pedals are vibrating, get an inspection.

3. Test Your Lights

State laws require motorists to maintain adequate vehicle lights when navigating the roadways. This helps ensure you can see your surroundings and other drivers can see you. As a result, driving with a broken headlight or taillight is both dangerous and illegal. It’s not always possible to tell when a light has gone out, so test them frequently.  It is good practice to drive with headlights and taillights on at all times during Alaskan winters, without regard to “daylight hours.”  And remember that driving with parking lights on, or parking lights and fog lights, without headlights activated, is illegal regardless of the time of day.  

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Heavy snow, sleet, or rain can significantly reduce visibility, increasing your risk of an accident. Thus, your windshield wipers must be able to clear your window effectively. If they’re leaving streaks or distorting your view in any way, it’s time to have them replaced.  During the winter, be sure to install windshield wipers that are specifically designed for winter conditions.

If you were injured because someone failed to maintain their vehicle, explore your legal options with the car accident attorneys at Burglin & Doxey, PC. They’ll guide you through the process of pursuing a personal injury claim, and they’ll fight on your behalf to recover maximum compensation. With over 40 years of combined experience, they’ve provided the residents of Fairbanks, AK, with advice and representation for many years. Call (907) 456-4020 to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney you can trust, or visit them online for more information about their services.

Disclaimer: This article is for discussion purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. If you’re seeking counsel, please contact the law firm.