Vehicle Safety Check

Do this before you drive

As the seasons change, it is time to prepare for the changing climate. Not only must we prepare our homes, but we must also prepare our vehicles. 

Simple Safety Checks You Can Perform

Annual or bi-annual state safety inspections alone aren’t enough to keep you safe on the road. It is important to perform some simple safety checks on your vehicle on a regular basis. Without proper upkeep, your vehicle may not be safe—and can cause a collision.

Here is everything you need to know about how to conduct a vehicle safety check:

Check The Tires

The tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. Before you drive, check your tires for:

• nails
• cracking
• deep cuts
• proper air pressure
• tread depth

Tip: You can conduct the “penny test” to make sure your tire treads have proper depth. Place a penny in the tread. If the tread can touch Lincoln’s hair or further, you are fine. If the tread does not reach Lincoln’s hair, it is time to replace your tires.

Windshield

Nothing Blocking View

It is against the law to have anything blocking your view. If you enjoy the fuzzy dice in your car, make sure they are not obstructing your line of vision. This is true of car air fresheners, cellphone holders, GPS units, and dash cams.

Windshield Cracks

Chips and cracks in your windshield are dangerous and can easily spread. If you have any cracks in your windshield, be sure to repair or replace it as soon as possible.

Vehicle Fluid Check

Be sure to inspect the fluid levels in your vehicle. Your oil should be filled in addition to windshield washer fluid and gasoline.

Tip: Keep your gas tank above the 1/4 mark. This will help you avoid getting stranded. But in colder weather, it can also prevent your gas from freezing.

Seatbelts

Make sure your seatbelts are in working order. Check them for damage, cuts, or frayed edges. Seatbelts save lives.

Fact: Seatbelts saved almost 15,000 lives in 2017 alone. They work, so don’t forget to buckle up you and your loved ones.

Mirrors

Mirrors are an absolute necessity on every vehicle. Before you drive, make sure all mirrors are properly aligned. Your mirrors assist you in avoiding collisions as they show you what’s happening beside and behind you.

Lights

It is important to test your vehicle’s lights on a regular basis. Check that your turn signals work all around. Turn on your headlights and ensure they work – low and high beams.

Safety Is Our Priority

As a personal injury law firm, safety is always our top priority. We want to make sure people aren’t injured because of negligence. After safety, we want to help injured people get the money they deserve.

Kane & Silverman

Kane & Silverman is a personal injury law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If you have been injured, talk to one of our attorneys for free. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.