New Jersey sees its fair share of traffic congestion, unpredictable weather, and road hazards. Heavy traffic means frequent stop-and-go driving, which puts strain on your brakes. Cold winters can lead to icy roads, increasing the importance of good tire tread.
And let’s not forget summer heatwaves that can push your car’s cooling system to its limits. Given all these factors, keeping your vehicle in top condition is one of the most important things you can do to prevent accidents.
Nonetheless, even if you do everything right, you can’t control what other drivers do. But by keeping your car in top shape, you’re making sure that you’re as safe as possible on New Jersey’s roads. A New Jersey car accident attorney can step in if you have become an accident victim despite your best efforts.
Here are some of the reasons why proper car maintenance is a necessity:
Regular inspections can catch small issues before they turn into serious hazards. Brakes, for example, are your first line of defense in an emergency. Worn-out brake pads mean your stopping distance increases, which can be the difference between avoiding an accident and slamming into another car.
If you hear a squealing sound when you brake, that’s your car telling you it’s time for new pads. Ignoring it could lead to brake failure, which is the last thing you want in a place like New Jersey.
Tires might not seem like the most exciting part of your car, but they’re absolutely essential to safe driving. In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw 19,515 accident deaths, and poor vehicle maintenance, including tire neglect, played a role in many of them.
If your tires don’t have enough tread, they can’t grip the road properly. This becomes even more dangerous in rainy or snowy conditions, which are common in New Jersey.
If your tires are bald during a rainstorm, you’re at risk of hydroplaning, which means losing control of your vehicle because there’s too much water between your tires and the road.
Underinflated tires are just as dangerous. When your tires don’t have enough air, they can overheat, and that’s when blowouts happen. Imagine driving down the highway at 65 mph when your tire suddenly explodes.
Not only can this make you lose control, but it can also cause accidents involving other vehicles. Keeping your tires properly inflated and making sure they have enough tread can prevent these kinds of disasters.
Fluids are like your car’s lifeblood. Without the right fluids at the right levels, your car can break down, or worse, fail at a crucial moment.
Take brake fluid, for instance. If it’s too low, your brakes might not work properly, making it harder to stop your vehicle. And if your engine oil isn’t changed regularly, it thickens and loses its ability to lubricate the engine, leading to overheating or even engine failure.
Your car will give you warning signs such as squeaky brakes, flickering lights, or odd vibrations. All of these are your car’s way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring them can turn a small issue into a major (and expensive) problem.
A minor brake issue can escalate into a total brake failure. A slow oil leak can turn into an overheated engine. A faulty alternator can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Taking care of small repairs as soon as they pop up isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.
