Make Your Vehicle Safer By Improving These 5 Areas

While your car or truck can provide comfort and enjoyment, its primary purpose is to safely take you from Point A to Point B. So, how can you help your vehicle do that job? Discover a few key areas to improve in order to boost the safety of whatever you drive.

1. Check Your Brakes

The best way to make any vehicle safer is to be able to avoid accidents. That means that your ability to stop short of an obstacle is its most important safety feature. Are your brakes up to the job right now?

Older cars may not have good anti-lock braking systems, which means an upgrade could be a great safety investment. Keep up with brake maintenance, not waiting until yours are squealing and creaking as loudly as possible before replacing them. And when you do replace parts, you might opt for higher performance options like high-friction pads, steel-braided lines, and larger rotors. 

2. Invest in Good Tires

Tires are some of the most important safety features on a vehicle, but they are also often overlooked. Your tires should be well-maintained, properly pressurized, and have plenty of tread left. These will grip the road better, especially on wet or icy roads. Consider upgrading from the basic tires suitable for your vehicle and choosing high-performance, all-terrain, or all-season tires based on your driving needs.

3. Keep the Lights Bright

The various lights on any car help the driver see what they are doing and make sure other drivers see the car. They are vital not only at night but even during the bright daytime hours when more people are on the road. Ensure your lights are all functioning at peak effectiveness.

Take the time regularly to perform a walk-around of the vehicle with another person to test the headlights (high and low), backup lights, and turn signals. Do not forget the lesser-known lights, such as license plate bulbs, interior dome lights, and dashboard lighting. And as winter approaches, check or improve your fog lights. 

4. Support the Vehicle

Most drivers and passengers experience the suspension system in the form of whether or not the ride is smooth. But struts and other elements of the suspension system actually serve a vital role in stabilizing the car. Good suspension for the way you drive helps tires grip the road better, makes turning and veering consistent, shifts weight between all sides, and reduces vehicle tension.

5. Reduce Your Distractions

This area of vehicle safety is not so much about the car or truck itself. Instead, it is about how well the driver can and does pay attention to the road. Modern cars can be full of distractions, ranging from built-in electronics and cell phones to radios and kids in the back seat.

Consider your own driving habits and what distractions you face. You might just need to corral your cords and electronic devices or add hands-free options for entertainment and phone use. Perhaps your daily commute faces the sun and window tints could make a big difference. And fixing something you often have to adjust or fiddle with—no matter what it actually is—automatically makes you a safer driver. 

Which area of car safety could use more attention on your vehicle? Start making it safer by checking out the inventory at Padco Auto Parts. We carry a wide range of parts for all types of vehicles, all budgets, and all performance needs. Check out our inventory online or stop by today to learn how we can best help you. Let us know of any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon.