My Improv Traffic School Say, "Safe Cars Make For Safer Drivers"

Online, May 28, 2012 (Newswire.com) - So, you finally got around the buying a new car. Congratulations! Or, you have managed to get 200,000 miles out of your old car and it is still going. Congratulations on that accomplishment as well.

All cars have been coming equipped with seat belts for nearly half a century and seat belts have repeatedly been shown to prevent injury and loss of life in the event of a crash. New cars today come with a host of additional safety features including air bags for both front seat rides and back seat riders; side curtain airbags, crumple zones, anti-lock brakes, collision avoidance systems, stability control and rear view video cameras.

But whatever you are driving, no matter how safe it may be, there are ways to keep it safe and possibly make it safer.

Here are a few simply steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe no matter how old it may be.

1. Tires are arguably the most important piece of your car because they are the only part which actually touches the road. make certain your tires are properly inflated at all times, especially in winter when the temperature can fluctuate dramatically. Improper inflation can lead to blown tires (too much air) or low fuel efficiency (too little air) so check it every week or so. Remember, safety first.

2. Headlights are crucial if you intend to drive at night so make certain yours are properly adjusted to the right height. You might also seek out some brighter bulbs to give you a wider field of vision. Your owner's manual should let you know what works best for your vehicle, or visit any one of the numerous auto parts store for some expert advice.

3. Check your oil. In fact, while you are at it, check all your fluid levels. Fluids don't last forever. They weren't intended to. Radiator, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid-all these things will get old, lose their ability to help you or your vehicle and just plain run out. If you don't know how to check these fluids yourself take your vehicle to a local lube shop where they can check and refill whatever needs filling.

4. Windshield wipers are the single most overlooked and under appreciated piece of safety equipment on your vehicle. Most people only think of them when it's raining and that's definitely not the best time to find out they don't work well. If your windshield wipers are old, cracked or simply don;t work as well as they once did, get them replaced. Any local shop, even the auto parts store, will be happy to replace them for you. So don't until it rains to find out if they work or not.

Your car, no matter how old or new, needs constant attention. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you. Safety is the first and most important feature every defensive driver understands.