The 7 Most Common Mechanical Failures Causing Car Accidents
In addition to practicing safe driving, and avoiding distractions, taking care of your vehicle is paramount to roadside safety. When we neglect taking care of our cars, their parts can fail to work, increasing the risk of car accidents. Some car parts are more prone to failure than others and should be fixed immediately.
Here, we’ll explore seven of the most common mechanical failures that can put you in danger on the road, helping readers to be more proactive in car maintenance.
Brake Problems
One of the most fundamental abilities of a car is to stop when needed. If your brakes fail to work, it could lead to rear or side-impact collisions. Common problems include worn brake pads, faulty brake lines, and malfunctioning antilock brake systems. By taking your car in for regular maintenance, mechanics can identify when it’s time to repair faulty brakes.
Faulty Lights
Head and tail lights allow drivers to see the road in dark and foggy conditions. When lights fail, drivers might not see oncoming traffic or road hazards. It also is difficult to signal to other drivers when you plan to make a turn. If you notice a light is out, it’s important to fix it right away. In fact, you could be pulled over and get a ticket for it.
Malfunctioning Tires
Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so their maintenance is crucial for safety. The most common tire failures that can lead to accidents include blowouts and improper tread. Sudden blowouts can cause loss of control, and tread separation can cause instability. By regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth, and replacing worn-out tires, you can significantly reduce the risk of these failures.
Steering System Failures
When a steering system fails, you cannot respond to what’s in front of you. Promptly address any issues with your steering system so you don’t risk losing complete control of your vehicle.
Engine and Transmission Problems
The engine and transmission are areas you cannot neglect. The engine can overheat due to low coolant levels, or the transmission can slip and its fluid can leak, among other problems. It’s essential to get your car serviced regularly since internal problems cannot be detected by sight. Make sure to pay attention to any indicator lights.
Faulty Windshield Wipers
When windshield wipers fail, you can’t see during periods of rain, an already dangerous road condition. Being unable to see what’s ahead is incredibly hazardous. Fix malfunctioning windshield wipers immediately, as visibility is crucial for preventing accidents.
Suspension Problems
Your suspension system keeps your tires on the road and wheels in line. Suspension problems can, at best, give you a bumpy ride. At worst, they can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Pay attention to warning signs like your vehicle pulling to one side, bouncing when hitting bumps, your front end dipping when braking, or difficulty steering.
Who Is Responsible for an Accident Caused By Mechanical Failure?
In the unfortunate case of an accident, it’s important to find the party liable so compensation can be recovered. While it may be due to the vehicle owner’s improper maintenance, mechanical failures can also be caused by mechanics or the vehicle manufacturers themselves. Hiring a Las Vegas car accident lawyer will help you navigate the accident claim and hold the negligent party responsible.
Be sure to take your car in for regular maintenance. It can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, extend the life span of your car, and increase your peace of mind on the road.
