If you’re on a fairly tight budget, you may be tempted to put off basic vehicle maintenance. But doing so could actually cost you more in the long run. According to Bankrate, poorly maintained cars are responsible for thousands of collisions and more than $2 billion in damages every year.
If you’re not mechanically inclined, though, you may not know when to visit your mechanic. Fortunately, as long as you bring your car to a reliable mechanic at regular intervals, you can be confident that it will undergo the necessary maintenance.
Maintaining your vehicle will both increase its lifespan and reduce your risk of causing a collision; however, you cannot rely on other motorists to do the same. If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm.
An injury attorney will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with a Marksville auto accident lawyer.
Read on to learn about five dangerous maintenance mistakes that you should avoid:
- Failing to Replace Burned-out Lights
Replacing the bulbs on your headlights, high beams, turn signals, and taillights is fairly inexpensive, so there is no reason to postpone doing so if they have burned out. If you wait, burned out headlights will affect your ability to see at night, and burned out brake lights or turn signals will inhibit other motorists from predicting your next move and responding accordingly.
- Driving with Bald Tires
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Replacing tires is one of the more expensive maintenance tasks, but doing so is essential once their tread is too low to maintain sufficient traction. Driving on bald tires increases the risk of hydroplaning. It also increases your stopping distance, so if you ever have to stop short, new tires could mean the difference between causing and avoiding a rear-end collision.
- Forgetting to Replace the Fluids
Replacing essential fluids in your vehicle is fairly simple, and many people tackle the job on their own. After draining the fluids, though, make sure you actually replace them. This might sound obvious but it is a common mistake that can have disastrous consequences.
- Ignoring Warning Lights
If a warning light on your dashboard turns on but your vehicle continues functioning properly, you may assume it is merely a glitch and ignore it. You should always review the vehicle’s manual when a warning light comes on, though, just to be safe. You can also bring your car to the shop to confirm a serious problem does not exist.
- Ignoring a Safety Recall
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According to USA TODAY, auto manufacturers recalled more than 50 million vehicles in 2015, an all-time record. If a component of your car is part of a safety recall, make sure you take the recommended steps for fixing it, or you face the risk of causing a serious collision.
If you were hurt in a collision that another driver caused due to poor vehicle maintenance, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Marksville injury attorney.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
