Car safety advice should always be heeded when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones. A reputable Las Vegas auto body shop offers tips to make your ride safer and give you peace of mind.
Car Safety Tips
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a car, but one that is overlooked a lot is the car safety feature. Many people simply pick a car based on price, aesthetic appeal, economic value, social status, re-sale value, or because a friend recommended it. But few take the safety value of the car as a priority. This can be especially worrying when you add in that a lot of people have children, and their safety should be a primary concern. So no matter what car you have, we are going to go through some simple car safety tips that will give you peace of mind. Why are we doing this? Well as much as we love getting business, we prefer for you to not have to see us, which would mean you have not had an accident recently!
Tire Pressure
Most big car brands advise that you should check your tire pressure once a month. It is natural from wear and tear that the tires will seep air out gradually. Having the perfect tire pressure will not only give you maximum control over your car, it will also save you money as perfectly inflated tires are more fuel efficient. If you’re unsure what PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) number your brand of car requires this can usually be found on the inside of your car door. The front and back tires should have different values, as they require different pressure.
Overinflated Tires
If the tire is overinflated, it will become stiff and rigid, decreasing the control it has on the road. It is also more likely that with increased air pressure will result in an explosive tire puncture, further damaging your vehicle and in the moment can be quite dangerous if you’re driving at high speeds.
Underinflated Tires
Have you ever ridden a bicycle with a flat tire and realized how much more difficult it is? Well this is the same with car tires, your car will be using up more fuel in order to get you from A to B. Underinflated tires will also lose their form and increase the contact they have on the road, lessening the control you have over the vehicle, especially in tight turns.
Tire Tread Depth
The penny (one cent) test will help with this one. Put your coin into the treads in your tires with Abe Lincoln’s head upside down facing you. If you can see Abe’s head then it is time to replace your tires. Tire tread depth is important, as these little spaces will remove water that is between the tire and the road. This results in better grip, less of a stopping distance after the breaks are hit, and reducing hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when there is a significant amount of water between the tire and the road, resulting in less traction and loss of control. You can usually notice this while driving if the steering wheel appears lighter, as if you have no control over the wheels at all.
Test Brakes Regularly
For obvious reasons you want to check the brake pads on your vehicle generally every 50,000 miles. Although it doesn’t hurt to have a mechanic do a quick inspection every time you get an oil change. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Car Lights Tested
Before long car journeys, especially ones that will be happening after the sun goes down, you should do a quick check to see that all of your lights are working properly. Nevada has specific traffic safety laws when it comes to the use of headlights. If one of your lights are not working, you can remove the lens and bulb to see if there is damage. If no damage is apparent it could be a broken fuse internally. For more information, please follow this car light guide. You can also bring your car into us and well will inspect your car for you.
Anti-Theft Auto Devices
Having an anti-theft device installed in your car can significantly reduce the chances of it getting stolen. It can be an advantage when you are negotiating with an insurance company, as they will give you favorable rates knowing that you are taking extra precautions. There are multiple different anti-theft auto devices out there so you can get the one that’s best for you.
Steering Wheel Locks
You have probably noticed them before when walking past a parked car. This contraption clamps on to the steering wheel and extends outward. This stops the steering wheel from being able to turn. So unless your car burglar is escaping on a straight road with no turns, they will think twice about stealing your vehicle.
Hood Locks
Car thieves will sometimes not attempt to steal an entire car but instead go after individual parts. Your car is made up of multiple expensive parts that can be sold separately, making access to your motor attractive to them. A car hood lock clamps down the hood on your vehicle, requiring a key to open it. This won’t stop your car getting stolen, but it will stop them from accessing the parts under the hood.
Tire Locks
These are similar to the devices used to clamp your car when it is parked illegally. Although it can be a nuisance to get off every time you want to use your car. They are predominantly used by the police force when seizing and retaining vehicles.
Electronic Car Immobilizers
This system will stop the car from starting if a RFID (radio frequency identification device), usually in the key, is detected in close proximity. Basically unless the key is in the car the same time that a thief is trying to hotwire a vehicle, the engine can’t turn on. Most modern cars have this in place.
Car Alarm
The most common of anti-theft systems, these will be sounded if glass is shattered, a car is touched etc.
Kill Switch For Car
The kill switch for cars are designed to shut down the electrical system of your vehicle if a certain procedure is not followed first.
GPS Tracker For Car
If the car is reported stolen there can be a tracker installed on it to notify the police about the location of the stolen vehicle. This GPS car tracker is usually hidden inside the vehicle so that car thieves will not be able to remove it immediately upon breaking in.
Install Car Window Tinting
Installing window tints can have a positive effect when it comes to your car safety. It first protects you and your loved ones from harmful Ultra Violet rays that can be harmful to our skin. If you are also in an accident, the chances of glass shattering can be significantly reduced because the tinted film can bind the glass together. This will stop dangerous shards from piercing you or your passengers.
Baby Proofing Cars
The safest place to install a baby seat is in the middle back row. This is because if you’re in an accident that results in the side of the car getting rammed (T-bone crash) your baby is furthest from harm. It will also prevent the child from trying to open doors (if you have not child locked them). Kids can be distracting and at no point should you turn around and take your eyes off the road. If you have installed a rear facing child car seat, there are baby safe mirrors that can be placed on the headrest so you can make eye contact without having to turn around. Click to learn more about child safety for your car.
Car Safety Tips From A Las Vegas Auto Body Shop
At Sudden Impact Auto we pride ourselves in providing our customers with help and knowledge about what to do if they’re ever in an accident. We are more than happy to inspect your vehicle and give a fair assessment on the damage received. If you hire us to repair your car, you can be sure that your vehicle is safe to drive again as we have extremely high safety standards to uphold. If you found these car safety tips helpful, or would like to learn more about a certain topic please leave a comment below. You can also call us on (702) 457-3002 or submit an online contact form.
