4 Ways in Which Regular Auto Inspection Helps Prevent Accidents
Purchasing a car is never a one-and-done deal. It’s undoubtedly an investment that generates dividends as long as it’s well taken care of.
This is especially true from the safety standpoint as unforeseen breakdowns and issues can quickly turn into serious accidents. Thankfully, regular auto inspection can help alleviate some of the road stress.
Every car owner should have their vehicle inspected at least once a year. The frequency may have to be increased depending on local regulations and suspected problems. In this article, we will discuss the role of regular auto checks in preventing road accidents.
Auto Repair and Maintenance is the Need of the Hour
The state of American roads is still wanting in terms of safety. The latest census shows that the US still holds the record for the most extensive road network (4 million miles).
Despite the best infrastructure, resilient vehicles and alert drivers are needed to look out for each other. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Many drivers choose to stay distracted, break traffic rules, and neglect vehicle maintenance and repairs. In some cities, it’s so bad that it’s considered best if residents don’t drive at all. Yes, one such city is Atlanta, Georgia.
This city was ranked the worst in terms of traffic snarls and road safety. The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm mentions the most common reasons for accidents here, which include driver negligence, inclement weather, and intoxication.
Most accidents are gruesome enough to cause fatalities or serious injuries like broken bones, whiplash, etc. While the injured party can seek compensation, case resolution often depends on –
- Case complexity
- Severity of injuries
- Cooperation of the insurer
Usually, an Atlanta car accident lawyer needs to intervene for case evaluation, representation, and the best strategy forward. It may take a few months to over a year for settlement depending on whether the case goes to court or not.
In cities as dangerous as Atlanta, drivers cannot take periodic auto inspections lightly. It’s the need of the hour and may help prevent accidents.
How Auto Technicians Prevent Accidents Through Proper Checks
Now, let’s look at the four ways in which timely and thorough auto checks can help prevent gruesome accidents and save lives.
Identifying Potential Issues Early On
Some vehicle-related issues are easily visible, including cracked windshields and flat tires. Others are more subtle in the way they manifest themselves.
Let’s take the most common one, which is transmission issues. They are not easily detectable always but may display signs like delayed engagement, strange noises, slipping gears, or a burning smell.
However, some of these signs overlap with other causes, especially a strange noise. It may also be the result of head gasket failure or low oil levels. If the issue is serious, the car’s safety is compromised but the owner may not know until it’s too late.
Auto technicians conduct rigorous and complete checks on all the important components. In case of any potential issues that may pose a threat in the future, they will promptly recommend repair or parts replacement, on a case-to-case basis.
Preventing Unexpected Breakdowns
Auto components like tires and brake pads are not meant to last a lifetime. They must be replaced every five to six years. This means if a car runs well for 20 years, its owner will have to invest in new tires or brake pads at least four times.
Now, this is a bit tricky because many car owners do not remember it’s time to replace these parts. Moreover, the early signs of wear and tear are often subtle. For instance, worn-out tires may lead to low tire pressure or again, strange noises.
Similarly, aging brake pads increase stopping distance and lead to a pulling sensation while braking. However, if such early signs are neglected, it doesn’t take long for them to cause unexpected breakdowns.
If a car’s tires or brakes malfunction suddenly, an accident becomes inevitable. Experienced technicians have a keen eye for such things, and will immediately point out when a replacement is needed. This will significantly reduce the risk of sudden failures.
Maintaining Critical Safety Systems
All cars come with certain kinds of safety features. Even windshields, wipers, headlights, and brakes form a part of safety characteristics. However, contemporary cars are even more advanced.
As per the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), advanced safety technologies can save lives when drivers use them correctly. These features include automatic braking systems, lane departure warnings, blind spot intervention, and park assist.
There are often two problems with these, including –
- Drivers not knowing how to use such safety features
- Drivers not seeing the need for repairs due to the high costs
Drivers must learn the importance of different advanced safety features. This will motivate them to opt for repairs when an auto technician points out that something is wrong.
Keep in mind that not all technicians can repair the present-day advanced systems. So, it’s best to choose one who has a vast portfolio of services.
Improving Vehicle Handling
Proper vehicle control on the road is a must to avoid any unfortunate event. Moreover, it also enables the driver to easily navigate dangerous road conditions in case matters go south.
Proper vehicle control usually depends on the brakes, throttle, steering wheel, and engine. These parts are directly manipulated by the driver to control the car’s speed and direction.
Any potential issues with this system are often identified during regular auto checks. When promptly addressed, the driver can maintain good control over their car, which reduces the likelihood of an accident.
A considerable number of vehicles in the US are now past their prime years. High prices are the main reason why people keep their cars longer. This is also one of the main factors driving the growth of the auto services market. Between 2024 and 2032, this market is exhibiting a CAGR of 10.1%.
As vehicles age, the need for periodic checks, maintenance, and repairs only becomes more pressing. However, it’s also the only way to ensure that a vehicle provides service for many more years without any risks of accidents.
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