Single Car Accidents and the Importance of Maintaining Your Vehicle

The engine compartment of a vehicle. In early August, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office shut down south bound Rio Bravo Boulevard at I-25 near Broadway due to a fatal single car accident. This accident was believed to have been caused by a blown out tire.

Most of the time, when we think about car accidents we think about more than one vehicle being involved, and when it is a single car accident, we often assume that the cause of the accident was a driving error. If our car runs and gets us from point A to point B without any major problems, we usually don’t think much of it.

But, what we often forget as our New Mexico car accident attorney explains, is that our vehicle must be properly maintained and if these maintenance items are overlooked, it can lead to accidents and serious injury. Failure to properly maintain your car may lead to you stalling on a busy roadway, leaving you susceptible to being hit by inattentive motorists or may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

4 Major Maintenance Requirements To Perform Regularly

Having something go wrong with your car is incredibly frustrating. Not only is it an inconvenience, but it is an unexpected expense. And while some maintenance matters are not pressing, there are some important regular maintenance items that must be handled.

Change Your Car’s Oil Every 3-5000 Miles

Oil is what keeps your car’s engine running properly. However, over time, the oil becomes contaminated by exhaust and its thickness is broken down by heat.

When this happens, the oil becomes less effective and must be changed. The rule used to be that oil needed changed every 3,000 miles. However, most vehicles today can go 5,000 or even 10,000 miles before the oil needs changed. The best way to determine how often to change your oil is to look at your owner’s manual.

Missing one oil change may not be an issue, but eventually, it will cause the entire engine to shut down and have to be replaced. Not changing your oil not only puts you at risk for both a high repair bill but also the possibility of having your engine go out on a busy roadway.

Brake Pads Need Replaced Occasionally to Assure Proper Brake Function

We have all seen the cartoon where the car’s brakes go out, the driver cannot control the car, and the car runs off a cliff. Having working brakes is obviously important and this scenario isn’t that unrealistic if your brake pads aren’t properly maintained. This list from J.D. Power explains the signs you should look and listen for to determine if you need new brake pads.

Swap Your Engine’s Air Filter to Keep Gas Mileage and Performance High

We aren’t just talking about your air conditioner here. Your engine has an air filter that prevents contaminants and debris from getting into your engine. The more debris collected on the air filter, the harder it is for your engine to breathe. A clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage, reduce horsepower, and may even cause your engine to stall out.

Tires With Full Tread Are A Safety Essential

Tires are designed with tread to provide your vehicle with traction. The tread becomes most important in inclement weather. When the tread gets worn down, traction is reduced and it is more difficult to control your vehicle in difficult weather or surface conditions. Decreased traction can be dangerous for you and your passengers. Pay attention to these signs to determine if you need new tires.