Spring-cleaning can be a satisfying task. It's empowering to purge ourselves of items we don't need and to deep clean the parts of our homes we avoided all winter long. However, many of us often forget to thoroughly clean our vehicles as often as we should. As it turns out, keeping our car clean not only feels and looks good, it also helps reduce the likelihood of a car accident.
In this article, we'll provide you with tips on how to spring clean your car for safe driving.
Secure Flying Objects
Loose items like sporting equipment, tools and even pets that are not properly secured can become dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident, or if you must stop abruptly. Make sure to properly store items in the trunk or cargo area and use nets or bungee cords to secure larger items.
Clean Your Windshield
A dirty or streaky windshield can significantly decrease your visibility. Grime on your interior windshield and windows makes it much harder to see when facing bright sunlight or headlights. It’s just as important to clean interior windows, as it is to clean the outer ones. Use a microfiber cloth and a streak-free cleaner to ensure maximum visibility.
Wash Your Car
During winter months, salt is used to melt ice on roadways, which can cause rusting and other issues for your vehicle. To avoid these issues, make sure to wash the undercarriage of your car regularly. If you haven't done so during the winter, now is the time to clean salt from the undercarriage.
Check Your Tires
Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so it's crucial that they're in good condition. Check your tire pressure and ensure it's within the manufacturer's recommended range. Also, make sure that your tires have sufficient tread depth to avoid skidding and loss of control, especially on wet or slippery roads.
Check Your Lights
Spring is a good time to make sure that all of your car's lights are functioning properly. Take the time to check your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals. If any bulbs are burnt out, replace them as soon as possible. Properly functioning lights will help you see the road ahead and make sure other drivers see you as well.
Maintain the Inside of Your Car
Cleanliness is important, but it's not just about appearances. Dirty or stained seats and seatbelts can actually weaken over time, compromising their ability to keep you safe in an accident. Use a fabric cleaner to remove any stains from your seats and a mild soap solution to clean your seatbelts. This will help ensure that they remain in good condition and function properly in case of a collision.
When you need to focus all your energy and attention on the road, it helps not to be distracted by a dirty and cluttered vehicle. So as the weather finally starts to warm and you begin spring-cleaning, take this opportunity to ensure your car is in the best condition for safe driving. A clean and organized space will result in a clear mind.
Injured in an Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the experienced automobile accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham are here to help. To schedule a free consultation, call 800-800-5678 or start a live chat anytime on Hupy.com.