Preventive automotive maintenance is essential to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and to avoid accidents. At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers we believe that the most important thing is your safety. Therefore, it is essential that you perform preventive maintenance on your vehicle.

In a city like Austin, where weather conditions can vary dramatically and traffic can be heavy, keeping your vehicle in good condition is not just an option, but a necessity. Proper maintenance extends the life of your car and also helps keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

The benefits of preventive maintenance

Preventive car services offer first and foremost the prevention of unexpected mechanical problems. In one year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) towed:

• More than two million vehicles due to engine-related problems.
• Nearly 600,000 due to transmission failures.
• More than 235,000 due to brake failure.

Many of these failures could have been avoided with preventative maintenance.

Mechanical failures due to lack of preventative car care can lead to accidents with serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mechanical failures were a contributing factor in approximately 2% of all fatal traffic accidents in the United States in 2022. Many of these failures could have been prevented with proper maintenance. In Austin, where traffic can be particularly heavy during rush hour and weather conditions can range from intense storms to extreme heat waves, keeping your vehicle in top condition is crucial for your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Key aspects of preventive maintenance

Car and vehicle maintenance encompasses multiple processes and check-ups that help keep your car performing at its best. Key aspects include:

1. Oil Change : One of the most important aspects of your car is a regular oil change. Oil is essential for lubricating engine components and reducing friction, which helps prevent overheating and premature wear. In a city like Austin, where summer temperatures can exceed 104°F, engine oil can break down more quickly, losing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of engine damage. It’s recommended to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and more frequently if you drive in extreme heat or heavy traffic.
2. Brake Maintenance – Brake inspection and maintenance is another crucial part of vehicle maintenance. In Austin, where traffic can be heavy in areas like downtown or I-35, your vehicle’s brakes are subject to constant use, which can accelerate their wear. Bad brakes not only put your safety at risk, but can also lead to costly repairs and fines. According to the Texas Transportation Code, driving a vehicle with faulty brakes can result in fines of up to $350, depending on the severity of the violation. To prevent this, it’s essential to have your brakes checked regularly and brake pads replaced when necessary.
3. Tire Change : Tire rotation is another critical component of regular automotive maintenance. Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so their condition is crucial to vehicle safety and performance. In Austin, roads can range from smooth surfaces on freeways to rough, potholed roads in more rural or less-traveled areas. This variety in road conditions can cause uneven wear on tires, affecting tire life and vehicle handling. Rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles helps ensure even wear, which can extend tire life and improve vehicle stability.
4. Other Fluids : Checking fluids is an essential part of regular car maintenance. This includes checking coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil, and windshield wiper fluid. Fluids play a vital role in the operation of various vehicle systems, and their degradation or loss can lead to serious mechanical failures. In Austin, weather conditions can affect the effectiveness of these fluids. For example, extreme heat can cause coolant to evaporate faster, increasing the risk of engine overheating. Therefore, it’s important to check and refill these fluids regularly to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Common mistakes in automotive maintenance

Despite the importance of preventive car checkups, many vehicle owners make common mistakes that can result in costly repairs or even dangerous mechanical failures. One of the most common mistakes is ignoring vehicle warning signs. Warning lights on the dashboard, unusual noises, or changes in vehicle performance are all indications that something is not working properly. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious and costly problems down the road. For example, a simple “check engine” warning light could indicate a minor problem that, if left unattended, could progress to engine failure requiring costly repairs.

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Another common mistake is postponing car maintenance service. Lack of time, desire to save money, or simply ignorance of the importance of maintenance can lead vehicle owners to delay necessary maintenance. However, this decision can have serious consequences. Delaying an oil change, for example, can lead to the buildup of residue in the engine, which could eventually cause engine failure. Similarly, failing to replace brake pads on time can lead to damage to brake discs, resulting in a much more expensive repair.

In addition to the risks of accidents, failing to perform regular car maintenance can also have legal consequences. In Texas, vehicle inspection laws are strict. All vehicles must pass an annual inspection that verifies that critical systems, such as brakes, lights, and tires, are in good condition. If a vehicle fails this inspection due to improper maintenance, the owner could face fines, and in some cases, the vehicle could be prohibited from driving until necessary repairs are made. This can be costly, especially if emergency service is required to restore the vehicle to proper condition.

Keep your vehicle in optimal condition

Preventative automotive maintenance is essential to avoid major problems and ensure safety on the road. In a city like Austin, where traffic, weather, and road conditions can be challenging, it’s more important than ever to make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Don’t wait for serious problems to arise; act now and schedule your next preventative auto maintenance to keep your car running safely and efficiently.

At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we understand the importance of preventive automotive maintenance for your safety. However, even with a car in optimal condition, you can be the victim of a crash. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, do not hesitate to call us and schedule your free, confidential consultation in Spanish. At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we will work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to by law. And to hire us, you do not have to pay anything out of your pocket. Call Abogado DANG to give the insurance companies a BANG!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• Be prepared for emergency road situations in Austin
• How to deal with your car insurance after a crash in Austin

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.