As a driver, it is your responsibility to maintain your car in road-safe condition. When you don’t do this you put your life and the lives of others at risk. Unfortunately, many drivers are not aware of the maintenance requirements of the car they drive. Atlanta auto accident injury lawyer Shane Smith suggests the following car maintenance basics.
Car care guidelines for Atlanta drivers
Battery: Car batteries are generally maintenance-free. If your battery is more than three years old and you sometimes have difficulty starting your engine, you should get the battery’s charge tested. It may be time for a new battery.
Tires: Inspect your tires for wear every time you get in your car. Make sure the tire looks properly inflated and there is no visible damage. Replace your tires when they become worn. Blown tires have been the cause of several deadly Atlanta car crashes.
A tire can lose about one PSI of pressure per month of use or ten degrees of temperature change. If your vehicle is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), it is a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Tires should be rotated once every 6,000 miles. Get your alignment checked if you see uneven tire wear or your car seems to pull to one side.
Fluids: For most cars, engine oil should be changed about every 3,000 miles or every three to six months. Transmission fluid and antifreeze are changed about every 30,000 miles or two to three years. Power steering fluid should be changed once every three to five years or 50,000 miles.
Good maintenance is every driver’s responsibility. If you are ever injured in a Georgia car accident caused by a negligent driver, you have rights. Contact Shane Smith Law to learn more.