Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Most of us use our cars daily to commute to work and back home, take the kids to school, run errands, take road trips, and shuttle the family around town for whatever activities or excursions are going on that day. While we know that car accidents can happen at any time to even the most vigilant drivers, what may be surprising is that some of these accidents are not the fault of another driver, but mechanical failures. A mechanical failure occurs when a component of the vehicle malfunctions and falls short of the manufacturer’s specifications.
Here are the top 6 mechanical failures that cause car accidents:
- Tire Blowouts
It is very important to keep your tires rotated regularly, properly inflated, and replace them as the tread gets worn down. Tires that have the tread worn down run the risk of hydroplaning when the roads are wet, which can be particularly risky in Florida. If a tread is worn down then the tire cannot properly grip and can cause you to lose control of your car in rainy conditions. Failing to perform regular maintenance requirements for tires can lead to tire blowouts or a flat tire, all of which can be dangerous when you are driving. According to the NHTSA, 562 people died in tire-related motor vehicle crashes in 2022.
Properly inflating your tires can not only prevent a flat tire or blowout, but it can also save you as much as 11 cents per gallon at the gas pump. Likewise, keeping your tires properly rotated, balanced, and aligned can extend the life span of your tires, which can also save you money in the long run.
If you are unsure how to properly inflate your tires, there are places like Discount Tires, that offer free air checks. They will even inflate your tires to the proper psi for free, so it is worth stopping in regularly to make sure your tires are performing safely.
If you were to have a tire blowout while driving there are a few things to remember to keep you safe:
- You want to keep control of your car, so do not slam the brakes. Keep both hands on the wheel and try to maintain your speed.
- Gradually release the accelerator and keep focused on what direction you need to steer your vehicle so that you can safely pull over.
- Once you have control of the car, keep slowing down and eventually pull over when it is safe for you to do so.
- Bad Brakes
Bad Brakes can increase your odds of causing a rear-end collision. Poorly maintained or poorly adjusted brakes can cause a vehicle to overshoot the brake pedal, resulting in additional wear on the pads and eventual failure. A car with worn-out brakes will also have less stopping force, which means it will take longer to slow down after pressing the brake pedal.
A good rule of thumb is to get your brakes tested every time you rotate your tires, which is usually once every six months. However, if at anytime you hear screeching, grinding, or feel vibrations when driving, this is usually an indicator to get your car in to a mechanic. During your mechanic’s inspection, they will look for any leaking brake fluid, defective ABS, or worn brake pads. Brake pads typically last for 30,000 miles.
- Headlights and Taillights
In low-visibility situations, such as at night, in fog, or during periods of intense rain or snow, drivers depend on car light signals. Your turn signals or blinkers are the only way drivers can tell which direction your car is headed, even in daylight. Broken car lights make it far more difficult to see your car in bad weather or at night, which raises your danger of being sideswiped or rear-ended. Always remember that taillights and headlights are designed to keep you and other drivers safe on the road.
- Steering and Suspension
Your car’s suspension system keeps your wheels aligned and your tires on the road. The suspension system is made up of multiple components that work together to provide a smooth ride. When all the components of your suspension system are working properly, you are unlikely to give them any thought. However, one faulty component can trigger several problems.
If you feel your car pulling to one side, if your car feels lower on one side than the other, if it feels almost like you are on a trampoline when driving (very bouncy as you hit bumps), if you notice your car dips forward when you brake, or you are having trouble steering your car, then these are all signs to get your car into the mechanic as you could have suspension problems, like worn shocks, springs that are not working, or you need a wheel alignment. Suspension problems can lead to car accidents, so you do not want to ignore any of these symptoms.
- Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers perform a crucial function, especially during Florida’s rainy season. Not only do they keep your view of the road clear when it rains, but they can also be useful when your windshield is dirty and needs a quick wash while you are driving. Over time, several issues, including streaking, skipping, chattering, smearing, and squeaking, can arise with windshield wiper blades. If you think your windshield wipers are past their prime, then it is a good idea to get them replaced by a professional. You can guarantee a clean view of the road and your safety when driving in bad weather by properly maintaining your windshield wipers.
- Engine Failure
The engine is the heart of your car. You can avoid expensive repairs or even complete engine failure by recognizing the warning signals of a malfunctioning engine. Your vehicle will show certain indicators before it fails, so it is important that you do not ignore any warning signs such as excessive smoke coming from your exhaust, hissing, popping, or clicking sounds coming from the engine, loss of power while driving, your engine stalling or overheating, your car requires more gas than usual, puddles of oil under your car, weird vibrations or shaking when your car is running, or your check engine light comes on.
Routine maintenance of your car will help prevent certain mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. This means getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles, checking your tires and lights regularly, and driving sensibly. Well maintained cars can mean less costly repairs in your future. However, you can still be involved in a car crash even if you take great care of your car and are a good driver.
If a mechanical failure or another negligent driver has caused your car accident, then our Florida Car Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can make sure you are well informed so that you can recover compensation for your damages. Call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.