Safety should be at the top of your mind on the road, whether driving to work or on a long road trip. After all, getting even a little complacent can lead to a mishap. Defensive driving gives you a good start. You can go a step ahead by watching out for negligent drivers and maintaining a safe distance from them. But are these measures enough to stay safe on the road?
Did you know that 2% of car accidents happen due to mechanical failures? That seems small, but the number can be scary, considering that millions of accidents occur on American roads every year. The good thing is that these mishaps are avoidable, provided you commit to vehicle maintenance. Let us explain why keeping your car in top-notch condition is vital for road safety.
Safety first
When it comes to cruising down the road, a well-maintained car can be a lifesaver. It can make the difference between a close call and a disastrous mishap. Statistics show that faulty brakes contribute to around 5% of all car accidents in the country. That’s a mind-boggling number, right?
The best solution is to get regular checks, maintain your vehicle with timely services, and stay ahead of repairs.
Prevention beats breakdowns
A breakdown can be painful, whether it happens close to your home or in the middle of nowhere. Regular car maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns from disrupting your plans and causing delays.
Simple tasks such as filter replacements, oil changes, and tire rotations can keep your vehicle funning and help you avoid dreaded roadside emergencies.
Save your hard-earned cash
Besides ensuring road safety, timely maintenance can save your hard-earned cash in the long run. For example, fixing auto glass chip sooner than later can prevent an expensive windshield replacement in the long run.
Repairing a small leak or replacing a worn-out belt costs a fraction of replacing a blown engine or a busted transmission. Remember that overlooking small issues can be the worst mistake because they snowball into major problems in no time.
Ensure longevity
Regular maintenance can keep your vehicle strong for years to come and enhance its longevity. Conversely, its lifespan can be short if you ignore the warning signs of trouble.
But with some TLC, your vehicle can hit the 100,000-mile mark and beyond. The longer your car lasts, the better because you can save for the next big purchase.
Keep the resale value high
Another benefit of keeping your car in great shape is that it maintains the resale value. A well-documented maintenance history makes it easy to get the best price from potential buyers.
When you upgrade to a newer model, you can make the most of the current one. It means you will have extra dollars to pay the down payment.
Conclusion
Regular car maintenance isn’t just an extra chore or an optional task. It is an essential thing for owners looking to stay safe, save money, and keep their rides up and running over the years. You will be a proud owner and a profitable seller down the road.