The Importance of Regular Car Safety Checks
Safe driving is a year-round commitment, and with the changing seasons come new challenges and maintenance needs for your vehicle. Here, we explore the importance of regular car safety checks, plus tips on keeping your car in tip-top shape.
Seasonal Shifts: A Time for Enhanced Caution
The change in seasons brings a host of challenges for drivers. Southern Arizona’s extreme summer heat can be tough on vehicles, impacting everything from tire pressure to fluid levels. As we move through fall and winter, the drop in temperatures, shorter days, and northern Arizona’s snowy weather demand a vehicle that’s in top condition.
Tires: The Critical Contact Point
Tires are one of your car’s most important safety features. After all, they’re the only part of your car that makes contact with the road. Throughout the summer, check on your tire pressure and tread depth. Incorrect pressure can affect your car’s handling and increase the risk of a blowout, especially in high temperatures. As you head into winter, consider switching to all-season or winter tires if you live in a region with snow and ice.
How to check it: Regularly inspect your tires using a tire gauge to measure pressure. For a quick way to measure tire tread, grab a penny and stick the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the whole top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
Wipers: Ensuring Clear Visibility
Visibility is, of course, paramount to safe driving, and your wipers play a crucial role. Summer heat can cause your wipers to crack and warp, so as cooler months approach, check to ensure they’re still in good working order. In winter, frost, ice, and heavy snowfall can test even the best of wipers, so it’s wise to invest in blades designed for harsh conditions.
How to check it: Lift the wipers and inspect the rubber for any cracks, tears, or stiffness. In addition to checking for signs of wear, see how the wipers perform. They may need replacing if they are loud or don’t wipe well.
Battery: The Heart of Your Vehicle
Summer heat and winter cold are extreme conditions that can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. High temperatures can speed up the chemical reaction inside a battery, leading to overcharging and reduced battery life. In contrast, cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s cranking power and ability to hold a charge. As seasons shift, check your battery to ensure it has enough power.
How to check it: To check your car’s battery health on your own, you’ll need to use a voltmeter. If the voltmeter reads below 12.6V, your battery is weak and may need replacing. Look out for other signs, too, such as slow engine cranking and a battery warning light on your dashboard.
Lights: For Visibility and Communication
As days get shorter in fall and winter, you’ll rely more on your car’s lights and signals. Check all of your vehicle lights — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals — to ensure they’re working correctly. Clean the lenses regularly for maximum visibility, and adjust your headlights if necessary. Remember, your lights are not just for you to see, but also for others to see you.
How to check it: Walk around your vehicle with the lights on to ensure each light functions correctly. Have a friend help check the brake lights, or back up towards a reflective surface at night to see how they’re working.
Brakes: Your Primary Safety Feature
Well-functioning brakes are arguably the most critical component of car safety. Seasonal changes can affect their performance, especially with the onset of wet or icy roads. Checking for wear and tear, ensuring brake level fluids are sufficient, and listening for unusual noises can help you identify potential issues early on.
How to check it: Listen for squealing or grinding noises when braking, which typically indicate worn pads or rotors. You can also check brake fluid levels and inspect for any leaks under the vehicle.
Fluid Levels: Keep Your Engine Healthy
Your car’s engine requires various fluids to run smoothly, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Seasonal temperatures can affect these fluids. Regular checks and timely replacements are necessary to prevent overheating, freezing, and other engine-related issues.
How to check it: Use the dipsticks for engine oil and transmission fluid to check their levels and clarity. Inspect the coolant reservoir and brake fluid level visually, topping up as needed.
A smooth-running car isn’t the only safe-driving strategy. Register for a driving course and get the skills you need to sit confidently behind the wheel.
