Everyone knows, at least in theory, that they should keep their vehicle well-maintained to ensure they can drive safely. However, due to issues of cost or time, many people put off performing proper maintenance, increasing the risks of an accident. Here are five ways that poor maintenance can lead to an auto accident:


  • Worsened braking
      • If you have not performed regular maintenance on your vehicle, there is a decent chance that your brakes are in bad shape. Poorly maintained brakes are less able to stop a vehicle quickly, and are more likely to result in a skid on slippery ground. You may also not be able to stop quickly in the event that someone runs into the road ahead of you, or someone stops short in front of you, making an auto accident almost unavoidable.
  • Worsened steering
      • Your steering may also suffer if your vehicle has not received regular maintenance. Your ability to steer the car is dependent on your wheels, suspension, and steering assembly, all of which can suffer if not maintained. This can make it harder to maneuver if you need to suddenly turn or move out of the way, increasing the risk of an auto accident.
  • Less ability to function on bad roads
      • Poorly maintained roads can be a serious issue for any vehicle, but it can be that much worse if your vehicle is also in bad shape. Potholes can damage your tires or suspension, and if it is particularly bad, can even damage the undercarriage of your vehicle. If your vehicle is poorly maintained, it is more likely that you will lose control on these bad roads, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Less ability to handle bad weather
      • It is almost inevitable that you will need to drive when the roads are slippery due to rain, snow or ice, and driving carefully can help to protect you to an extent. However, if you have not done proper maintenance on your vehicle in some time, there is an increased likelihood that you will lose control during bad weather. If your vehicle skids out on a patch of ice or begins to hydroplane, proper maintenance may be the only thing between you and an auto accident.
  • Increased risk of mechanical failure
    • Vehicles that do not receive regular maintenance are at a much higher risk of serious mechanical failure, irrespective of any other issues they may face. A poorly maintained part may suddenly fail while you are driving, resulting in potential harm, and in some cases it is possible you will suffer a total breakdown. If this happens, you may find yourself heading towards an auto accident that might otherwise have been avoided.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.