People can often underestimate the importance of keeping their vehicle well-maintained. When car owners put off important maintenance, it can result in problems with controlling their vehicle in an emergency, or can even cause catastrophic mechanical failures that can cause accidents on their own. Here are seven maintenance issues that can cause auto accidents:

  1. Problems with brake pads or brake lines
    • Over time, your brake pads will wear out, and your brake lines can potentially rust or become damaged. Failing to perform maintenance on your brakes can mean they fail you when you need them most, resulting in an otherwise avoidable accident.
  2. Worn down or underinflated tires
    • There are many ways that poorly maintained tires can fail. They may wear down to the point where they slip, or they may wear down unevenly, indicating they are underinflated. Either way, they will struggle to maintain traction in the event of an emergency and may be more likely to slip in bad road conditions.
  3. Misaligned suspension
    • The suspension on your car is what allows it to take the bumps on the road with minimal damage or disruption to you. When it gets misaligned, however, it can impact the vehicle’s ability to accelerate, brake, or steer properly.
  4. Infrequent oil changes
    • You are supposed to change the oil on your vehicle, as well as other critical fluids, on a regular basis. If it has been too long since you performed an oil change, it can impact your car’s performance and increase the risk of mechanical issues.
  5. Failing battery or alternator
    • Your battery and alternator are both critical for operating the electrical systems in your car. If they start to fail due to improper maintenance, it can result in serious electrical failures that can cause your car to fail to start, or worse, to shut down while you are driving.
  6. Lack of engine tune-up
    • An engine tune-up is an important part of maintaining your vehicle, which involves checking various parts of your engine to ensure it is functioning properly. Failing to perform maintenance on your engine can result in problems that can cause your car to stop functioning at the worst possible time.
  7. Transmission troubles
    • Your transmission is a critical component that sends the power from your engine to your wheels. If you fail to perform maintenance on your transmission, it can result in fluid leaks, grinding gears, and other problems that increase the risks of an accident.

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.