| Car accidents are a major cause of death for both | | | | as clamps and screwdrivers to help you out in the |
| children and adults alike. It becomes imperative then, | | | | times of need. It also helps to keep some motor oil in |
| that we take enough precautions for our safety. It | | | | the trunk. The cabin's air filter also needs to be |
| would be prudent to note that it is not just children who | | | | replaced frequently. |
| require protection; grown-ups are just as vulnerable | | | | When anticipating driving in wet conditions you have to |
| when it comes to road accidents. | | | | be very careful about the functioning of the engines - |
| One of the ways to keep yourself safe is to regularly | | | | as well as cater for small infractions like the wipers, |
| maintain the car - this way you don't encounter any | | | | windshield washer fluid and other wet driving-specific |
| mishaps occurring due to mechanical failure of your | | | | gadgetry associated with the car. |
| own car, at least. This is in addition to the professional | | | | If you intend to go on a road-trip, you have to keep in |
| servicing that you should subject your car to every | | | | mind some basic requirements to ensure your safety. |
| once in a while. In essence, this is a do-it-yourself type | | | | If you can't find time to get it professionally serviced |
| of maintenance. | | | | before the trip, take time out and begin by checking |
| The first step to maintaining your car is to keep it | | | | your tires and brakes, while making sure to also check |
| clean. If your busy schedule doesn't permit you to | | | | all the hoses and belts. Try to pack at least a Phillips |
| wash it regularly, find a good automatic car wash | | | | screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a hammer and a |
| location. If it is possible to throw in a wax agent, make | | | | ratchet with a set of sockets. If something happens on |
| sure you do that. | | | | the road, it is possible to fix most things if you have the |
| Another thing that you must do is learn how to change | | | | tools. |
| your brake pads, and do it regularly to keep the car | | | | Avoiding a car fire is really important. While it would be |
| running smoothly. It's quite commonplace to hear the | | | | advisable to carry a fire extinguisher in the car, it's not |
| telltale screech of the brakes - you need to take time | | | | very practical. If installing accessories by yourself (like |
| out to change them. A note of caution: always allow | | | | the stereo), be extra cautious as they tend to catch |
| the car to cool by giving it sometime before you | | | | fire. |
| attempt to change the brakes. | | | | In the final analysis, although safety and maintenance |
| You must have heard of Murphy's Law (anything | | | | perhaps can't be spoken of in the same breath, they |
| which has to go wrong will go wrong). In accordance | | | | are still just as important - in particular, maintenance for |
| to the law then, your car will break down at the most | | | | safety. Make sure you keep your car well-maintained |
| inconvenient of times and in the most uncomfortable | | | | and ready for immediate use. |
| of places. You should always carry a few tools such | | | | |