Preventative Car Maintenance Pays Off Through Lower Auto ...

One of the first steps to avoid causing an accident is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition. A well-maintained car is easier to control because it responds better to your commands. If the tires and brakes are new, and the fluid levels are good, you?ll be less likely to experience a blowout, skid into other cars, or experience a loss of power.

Although few consumers think that preventative maintenance on their vehicles can influence their car insurance rates, the two are closely connected. Your rates are based, in large part, on the risk of future claims you pose to your insurer. The more likely you are to generate claims, the higher your rates will rise.

With that in mind, we?ll provide a guide to maintaining your car below. You?ll learn about the items to check and how often to check them with the goal of keeping your vehicle in top-notch condition. That in turn will lower the risk that you?ll cause ? or be involved in ? an accident.

Check The Oil Level And Condition

The oil that courses through your engine has two main jobs to perform. First, it helps to lubricate the assembly?s moving parts. Second, it helps to control the temperature in your engine during operation.

If the oil level declines too far, its moving parts will rub against one another, generating friction. Before long, this friction will damage them. At the same time, a low oil level will cause the temperature in the engine to rise. If it overheats, it will suddenly seize, leaving you without power.

To make sure there?s enough oil available for the engine, check the level every four weeks. While doing so, also note its condition. It should appear light brown with a runny consistency. If it appears dark brown, or has turned into sludge, replace it.

Inspect The Brake Pads

Your vehicle?s brakes influence how quickly you can bring your car to a stop. If they are in poor condition, stopping your car will likely require more time than normal. If your brakes are severely degraded, with the pads completely eroded, you may lose the ability to stop entirely. In an emergency, when stopping quickly is critical, you?ll be more likely to collide with the object in front of you.

Once a month, take a close look at your brake pads. Look for signs of wear. If the pads appear considerably worn down, replace them.

As a side note, depending on the type of car you drive, you may need to remove your tires in order to examine the pads. Doing so only takes a few minutes.

Check The Fluid Levels

In addition to motor oil, there are several fluids your vehicle relies upon to operate properly. It is important to check their levels and condition on a regular basis (every four to five weeks is sufficient).

Brake fluid influences the response of your car?s brake system. If the level is low, or the fluid is dirty, your brakes may fail to operate.

Coolant plays a key role in controlling your engine?s temperature. When there is not enough of it, or rust begins to accumulate, the engine becomes at risk of overheating. As described earlier, the assembly will eventually seize.

Steering fluid affects your car?s steering response. If there is too little fluid, you may become unable to control your car.

Also, make sure there is sufficient windshield wiper fluid available in the appropriate reservoir. This fluid is essential for keeping your windshield clean of dirt and insects. By doing so, it improves your visibility and safety on the road.

Examine The Tires

Your tires are among the most important components on your vehicle since they are the only parts that touch the ground. The treads grip the road?s surface, providing traction and control. In rainy weather, when the roads become slick with moisture, traction is vital to your safety and that of your passengers.

Make a habit of visually inspecting the treads every three to four weeks. If one or more appear worn, replace them. It is also a good idea to rotate your tires every 7,000 to 8,000 miles to distribute wear more evenly across them.

The amount of air in your tires affects their longevity. It also influences the likelihood of a blowout. If they are filled with the proper level of pressure, they?ll last much longer. While examining the condition of the treads, check the air pressure. Make sure it matches the manufacturer?s recommendations.

There are several other features to check when doing preventative maintenance on your car. But those described above will have the largest effect on your ability to drive safely and avoid collisions. And that will have a direct influence on your car insurance rates.

Source: http://www.e-sportscarinsurance.com/preventative-car-maintenance-pays-off-through-lower-auto-insurance-rates/

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