Many California residents are excited for the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year all bring great joy to Americans. Unfortunately, these holidays can also come with a headache. As several people take on the busy streets, this results in hefty traffic and unwanted accidents.
Holiday road trips can be exhausting. They are long and tiring. In fact, many travel several hundred miles just to reach home. Moreover, when motorists hit unfamiliar streets, this can cause difficulties and in some cases, a motor vehicle accident.
While most car crashes are the result of negligence and inattentive drivers, there is a mechanical part of it, too. Before travelers get on the road, they should ensure their vehicles are in top shape. This can benefit everyone traveling during the holidays.
Prepping the vehicle for holiday travel
The first thing travelers can do to protect their vehicles is make a visit to the car shop. If a vehicle has not been serviced in a while, a long trip can be risky. It helps to check the oil, transmission flood, mixture and condition before hitting the highway. These fluids can be essential to safe driving. Moreover, if the vehicle stalls as a result of poor maintenance, this adds not only to dangers, but also to traveling time.
It also helps to check the tires. Tire pressure is crucial in a long journey. If pressure is low, this can result in damage – especially when potholes and other road obstacles get in the way. Moreover, keeping tires in top condition can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Lastly, drivers should not disregard the dashboard signals. Motorists with older vehicles tend to overlook the warning lights that indicate damage or other vehicle issues. However, these indicators can be crucial to safety. The most common lights are the Check Engine Light, Brake Light, Temperature Light and Oil Light. If a driver is unfamiliar with what these lights mean, it is not difficult to consult the manual or look up the markers online. All of these indicators are important. If ignored, the mechanical issues could cause a problem with the vehicle during travel.
Many individuals are excited for the upcoming holidays; however, it is better to be safe than sorry. Drivers should be patient and avoid rushing home without taking appropriate precautions.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact a personal injury law professional. A legal professional can guide you through post-accident steps.