A well-maintained car is not only a pleasure to drive, it’s also safer. Although a proper service and inspection vehicle maintenance regime is essential, there is much you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good working order. Here are the main areas to pay attention to for maintaining safety in between garage visits.

Check Your Battery

Although you might associate a dead battery with an inability to start the car, modern vehicles are so dependent on electronics that a sudden loss of power on the highway can make it difficult to keep full control of the vehicle. Ensure that your battery is kept well charged and that any minor electrical problems are attended to – they could be a symptom of something more serious.

Windshield Wipers

Poor visibility through a dirty windshield is a large factor in many accidents. Check that the wiper blades are in good condition and not too worn and that your washer fluid tank is full.

Check Your Tires

Badly worn tires can be extremely dangerous, and should be thoroughly checked as part of your regular vehicle maintenance service. However, it’s also a good idea to occasionally check them visually yourself to make sure there has been no damage which could lead to a blow-out, and of course correct tire pressure should be maintained at all times to keep your car handling well.

Check Belts, Hoses and Seals

The rubber and plastic parts of your vehicle’s cooling and fluid systems are vital for smooth operation, but are also sensitive to wear and tear, especially in regions which suffer extremes in temperature. A fan belt breaking at 50mph on the freeway can be extremely dangerous, so regularly check all visible belts, hoses and seals for signs of cracking or fraying, and replace if necessary.

Headlights, Taillights, and Turn Signals

All lighting on your vehicle is essential for safety, ensuring that you are as visible as possible to other road users. Regularly check that your car’s exterior lights are all working correctly, while if a bulb needs replacing this is usually a simple matter to do yourself.

Your Brake System

Although a full brake maintenance check should be done by qualified mechanics, you should also keep an eye on your brakes between services. You can look for obvious signs of wear and tear, and should also be sure that brake fluid levels are maintained. If you feel any sluggishness in brake response when driving, or if you find that you need to replace the brake fluid frequently, it’s best to get a qualified opinion on this most vital of safety features.

There’s no substitute for professional servicing when it comes to keeping your car in safe working order, but attending to the vehicle maintenance you can carry out yourself not only helps reduce the risks of mechanically-caused accidents, it will also cut repair costs by spotting any problems early on.