Making Sure Your Vehicle Is Road-Ready for Spring
As the winter finally comes to an end, it becomes crucial to give your car a thorough check-up before hitting the road again. This not only ensures your safety by minimizing the chances of any mishaps but also guarantees a smooth and hassle-free ride. To help you get your car ready for the spring season, the Law Office of Brian Brunson has shared some valuable tips.
Different Seasons Mean Different Road Hazards
Weather: Spring is definitely the season with the highest amount of rainfall in most places. Based on data from the government, rain is responsible for over 40 percent of all traffic accidents in a year. When it rains, the water combines with oil on the road, making it extremely slippery and challenging for drivers to brake suddenly. Even a short period of rain can result in water pooling on the streets, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. It’s important to check your wiper blades before winter hits, but don’t forget to replace them as spring rolls around as well. The harsh conditions of ice, salt, and snow can really wear down your wiper blades. As the rainy season approaches, having clear visibility through your windshield is crucial for staying safe on the road.
Tires: Drivers often make adjustments to their vehicles as the seasons change. For instance, when winter is on the horizon, they might opt for snow tires and durable windshield wiper blades. However, when spring arrives, it’s crucial to prepare for different weather conditions. Swapping out snow tires for all-season or “summer” tires is typically recommended. Snow tires are equipped with deep treads to navigate icy and snowy roads, whereas all-season tires are more adept at handling wet surfaces and puddles. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t switch out your tires for the spring season, it’s still crucial to give them a thorough check to ensure they are properly inflated. The cold weather can cause tires to lose air pressure, so it’s essential to make sure they are at the right level. Having properly inflated tires not only helps improve your gas mileage, but it also enhances their performance, making them handle better on the road. This is especially important as underinflated tires can increase the risk of accidents, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Both Human and Animal Activity Increases
As the weather gets warmer, more cyclists and pedestrians will be out on the roads, and some of them might not be familiar with traffic rules. It’s important to be aware that pedestrians can be distracted by their phones or other gadgets, so it’s crucial to drive cautiously and reduce your speed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Winter ending is not just something that you and your family eagerly anticipate, but also animals of various types. In suburban and rural areas, animals become more active during the springtime. It is important to exercise caution while driving in such areas where animal activity is common. Be sure to reduce your speed and stay alert for animals like deer, raccoons, and even domestic pets like dogs and cats. While colliding with an animal can be dangerous, trying to avoid them by swerving can also pose risks. In the process of avoiding an animal on the road, you might unintentionally swerve into oncoming traffic or collide with a pedestrian or cyclist who may not be visible to you. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of these potential dangers and prioritize safety while driving.
Check Your Battery, Brakes, and Fluids
If you’ve been working from home or not driving much during the winter, your car might have been parked for days or even weeks without being used. When spring comes around, one of the first things you should do is check your battery. Cold weather can be tough on car batteries, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s still functioning properly before you start driving again and enjoying the warmer weather.Having a faulty battery can not only leave you stranded but also increase your chances of getting into an accident. Therefore, it’s essential to have it inspected now to stay safe on the roads throughout the spring season.
It’s also super important to regularly check your brakes because they play a huge role in keeping you safe while driving. If you hear a grinding sound, it could be a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. Noisy brakes might mean that they are worn out or covered in rust. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to have a certified technician inspect your brakes and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.
It’s vital that you get your oil changed every six months, even if you don’t drive a lot, to make sure your engine stays in good shape. But don’t forget about other fluids too! Coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are all super important for your car. Make sure to have a professional check if they’re low or need to be changed, and take care of it right away.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE WRECK, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
