Check Your Car Before Spring!

Posted on March 2015    

Keeping your car in good repair isn’t just a good safety tip, it is the law!  In general there are at least five places on a car that are often neglected by drivers.  They include: the interior, lights, tires, wheels, and windshield.  As the weather here in the Carolina’s has been nothing shy of theatrical, we thought we would take a few minutes to address some of these issues that may have been impacted by the weather.

Light Inspection

Not only is it illegal, but you put yourself and others at risk when one or more of your lights are out, or dulled, during a storm or on an average night. Save yourself the hassle of being pulled over or being harmed and take a peek before you head to work, school, or out for some fun. A few seconds could save you a fine or prevent an accident.

Tires and Wheels

Tires and wheels in disrepair can cause deadly accidents, regardless of the weather conditions. In general, a person should check their tire pressure regularly. Remember the automated system that warns you when your pressure is low may not always be right. It’s a worthwhile investment to keep a tire gauge in your glove box. Besides air pressure, the condition of your tires should also be regularly checked. Take a look at tread length, inspect the rubber for cracks and splitting, and keep track of any rust building up around your wheels.

As the winter is coming to an end, drivers must pay special attention to their tires. While not everyone puts on “winter tires”, those of you who do need to remember that they are to be stored during the summer. For instructions on how to properly store winter tires, please visit www.tiresafetygroup.com for more information or your local auto shop. Maintaining your tires properly will extend the life of your tires and save you money.

Windshield Maintenance

All drivers should keep a replacement bottle of windshield fluid in their car – you never know when you will need it. The only thing more nerve clenching than feeling your tires slip on ice, is not being able to see the road and drivers around you. Wipers can also be easily damaged in a winter storm. Check to see if they need to be replaced. If we should see any more winter weather, remember to never rip your wipers from a frozen windshield! Also, hot water will not help and can crack your windshield – so don’t use it! Turn your car on for about 15 minutes before you need to leave and the heat from the car should help reduce the amount of ice on your windshield – allowing you to be able to use a scraper more effectively. Spring is around the corner and just like you, we can’t wait.

We hope this information is helpful and that you will remember to keep your car in good shape.