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5 Mechanical issues that could be fatal

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Are you aware that in Singapore, 73% of heavy vehicle drivers speed when traffic is light? And that Singapore’s road fatality rate of 2.73 per 100,000 citizens is higher than London, Hong Kong and Tokyo? Many car accidents are caused by reckless driving, such as driving under the influence, violating traffic lights or failure to have proper control of the car. But other than these man-made accidents, there are also minute issues concerning the car that could potentially be fatal.

Cars are complex machines made up of many intricate parts. Whether the failure is due to poor car maintenance or certain manufacturing error, tragic accidents can happen if any of these parts malfunctions. This is why one should always be certain that their vehicle is up to standard before they embark on the road, not only for the sake of other road users but for oneself as well. Here are five mechanical issues that you need to look out for to steer clear of any unwanted car accidents.

Five mechanical issues to look out for

1) Tyre blowouts

Although tyre blowouts can be caused by hitting large objects or nasty potholes, they are mostly caused by underinflated tyres. When the air pressure in a tyre is too low, the tyre may bounce up and down when driven at a speed, causing the tyre to overheat due to the high level of friction and eventually burst.

When tyre blowouts happen, it can be difficult to drive due to an uneven tilt imposed on the vehicle. Furthermore, there is also a chance that the blowout can damage the wheel itself and the surrounding area of the vehicle. To prevent tyre blowouts, it is best to maintain proper maintenance, keeping a healthy weight below the car max load weight, and of course, keep your eyes on the road!

2) Worn tyres

Driving with worn tyres not only puts you in danger but also risks potential collateral damages involving passengers and other drivers on the road. Tyres have an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years, but it also depends on a combination of factors—its design, the driver’s driving habits, the climate, the road conditions, and the care put into the tyres. To determine if your tyre is due for a change is to look at the Tread Wear Indicators (TWI) on your tyre. TWI will appear gradually as your tyre wears down, so when the TWI is visible, that is a sign that your tyre needs changing.

3) Faulty brakes

Brakes are one of the most crucial components of all vehicles as they ensure your safety on the road. Brakes have a certain lifespan and must be regularly serviced or replaced to work perfectly. That said, there are signs of faulty brakes that could easily be detected, such as the sudden warning brake light on your dashboard, unusual squealing or grinding noise and vibrations, vehicle pulls when brakes are applied, and diminishing responsiveness. When you detect any of these signs, get your car serviced immediately.

4) Engine problems

Engine failure can leave you stuck on the road in the middle of the night waiting for help to arrive. In order to avoid this from happening, you need to know how to detect the warning signs of engine failure. These signs include the flashing of engine light on your dashboard, smokes coming out from your exhaust, frequent overheating, oil leakage and engine knocking. If you happen to catch any of these warning signs, get your car to the nearest workshop before they cause serious damage. But of course, the most effective way to keep your engines running smoothly is to practise routine care and maintenance.

5) Headlights problem

The eyes of every car—we could literally be blindsided at the wheel without the aid of a clear and functioning pair of headlights and taillights. Headlights and taillights increase the visibility for not only you but also others from both sides of the road. But vehicle lights are prone to gradual wear and tear. Some potential causes are blown fuse, damaged relay, and more commonly, burned-out bulbs. They also tend to get oxidised and over time resulting in blurry and dim lights.

Faulty vehicle lights could render your car impossible to see at night or in low-visibility conditions brought about by fog, rain or storms. Therefore, keeping these lights in pristine conditions is highly important.

All things considered, routine car maintenance is crucial to not only keep your car as good as new but also for it to work properly, inside and out. To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, be sure to keep an eye on these warning signs and never ignore them.

If your car is due for a service, book an appointment with us now! If you have any other topics you would like us to discuss next, just let us know.