Regular car maintenance ensures maximum car performance, prevents costly repairs and may actually help avoid accidents. Sometimes, even the smallest defect that seems irrelevant to you may lead to a major problem which will consequently increase your chances of being in a crash, pile-up or collision.
Use this checklist to help keep your car in top running condition and to keep you and your passengers safe.
Tires
Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensure your vehicle’s safety on the road. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 83% of Americans do not know how to properly inflate their tires. The correct pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker most often located inside the driver-side door jamb. Also, check the tread depth on each tire by placing a quarter upside down in the tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed at any point, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
Underinflation or overloading of tires may result in rapid or uneven tread wear. This could cause unexpected tire failure on a road or highway. Having a tire blowout may result in a dangerous accident causing vehicle damage or serious injury. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that tires are at least partially responsible for an estimated 11,000 traffic crashes each year.
At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we know that being insured with the proper policy protects you and your vehicle in case you are involved in an accident. Our expert team will help you find the best coverage to meet your needs when driving in Arizona.
Wipers
Windshield wipers that are damaged or do not work are a serious danger to you and others on the road. Wiper blades do not just help in the rain, they are also beneficial during dust storms and other weather conditions. At least once a year check to see if they are worn or cracked. Inspect the wipers to determine that they can still adequately remove debris for proper vision.
Working Lights
Our insurance agents cannot stress enough the importance of working lights for every type of vehicle. To test them, turn on your hazards to see whether both the blinker and steady-on safety lights work. Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle as you apply the brake to make sure the brake lights work correctly, too. Just one broken light can cause an accident.
Battery
As a general rule, the more sophisticated your car’s onboard computers are, the bigger the strain on its battery. Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time. A bad battery can leave you stranded, and a faulty electrical system could cause your car to stall or operate incorrectly when driving, leading to an unnecessary collision or worse. And if you use your automobile infrequently, the battery may still become drained by the electronic systems.
It is essential that you or your mechanic look over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole. If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water. While you’re inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery can help you understand when it will begin to lose charge. If the battery is older than four years, it may be time to replace it.
Brakes
Knowing the key warning signs when brakes require maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road. Every driver is faced with situations where it is necessary to slam on the brakes. Defective brakes take away the ability to prevent a collision with another car, property or with a pedestrian. Without proper brakes, a severe accident may occur that might have been prevented if they were working properly.
If there is screeching, vibration or if you must apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal before your car will stop, it is time to have the brakes checked out. Even if these symptoms are not apparent, get them checked out annually.
The Right Coverage
No matter where you drive, rest assured you and your car can be protected on the road with assistance from Gebhardt Insurance Group. We are an independent insurance specialist company serving the entire state of Arizona. That means we shop the nation’s top insurance carriers to find you the absolute lowest rate for your vehicle insurance to provide significant savings.
Arizona requires its drivers to maintain the following coverages and minimum limits:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per incident
- $10,000 property damage liability coverage per incident
But there are a variety of optional vehicle insurance policies, as well. It can all become overwhelming and confusing. Our agents are true professionals and will find the best solutions to meet your driving needs at affordable prices. We deliver superior customer service and always provide personal attention to every individual. We will be there for you when you need us most.
Call or text us now at (520) 836-3244 and ask about our free insurance quotes to find the best auto insurance policy that will match your needs. We look forward to working with you.