Like any machine, cars need regular maintenance and care to operate properly. One of the greatest dangers to driver and passenger safety is a poorly maintained vehicle. Vehicles that do not receive regularly scheduled maintenance are unreliable and may malfunction while running, possibly causing an accident. When you decide to purchase or lease a car, make sure you know how often to check all parts and fluids for maintenance needs. Your owner's manual will have a schedule of recommended maintenance, either by mileage or time.
What's the Big Deal?
When a car is not properly tuned up, it could experience internal damage that puts the driver at risk. Even small internal damage could turn into a much bigger problem later on. A car has hundreds of parts that must all work together for the vehicle to run smoothly. An issue with one part could cause other parts to fail, leaving you stranded on a drive or causing a severe accident. Additionally, a small problem that may cause major internal damage will be much more expensive to fix later.
When to Have Your Car Checked
The time line for a checkup depends upon the part in question. Generally, it is recommended that you take your car in for a tuneup every 3,000 miles. Your vehicle's oil should be changed at each of these tuneups, and other fluids such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid should all be checked for leaks or dirty fluid. Tires should be checked and rotated every 7,000 miles or so to ensure that they do not wear unevenly, which increases your chance of getting a flat or blown out tire. Consult your owner's manual for other guidelines regarding maintenance.
Many safety concerns will be checked yearly during your state inspection, but serious problems could arise during the year between inspections. Space out your car maintenance throughout the year to increase your chance of catching potentially big problems early and to make it more affordable. Preventative maintenance could save you from a costly car accident and could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Shop Liability
When you take your car in for a tuneup or inspection, the mechanics working on your car are responsible for ensuring that car problems are detected and that new equipment is installed properly. If you take your car in to have work done and then have car trouble that causes an accident, the auto shop may be liable for your injuries and damages. Consider contacting a personal injury attorney immediately to determine if you have grounds for initiating a lawsuit for compensation.
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