The Negative Consequences of Poor Vehicle Maintenance
As one of New Zealand’s top auto parts suppliers for Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles, we know the value of good vehicle maintenance. A properly maintained vehicle will run longer, safer, and more comfortably.
But on the flip side, what happens when vehicle maintenance takes a back seat? What if it isn’t a top priority?
If you decide to slack on maintenance, you could find yourself looking at one of these scenarios.
Losing control of your vehicle because of old, worn-out, or defective parts.
According to the Ministry of Transport, loss of control is a leading cause of road accidents in New Zealand.
There are many things that can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle, but many such incidents can be attributed to faulty parts. The most common parts to cause accidents are brakes & tyres, which affect maneuvarability and stopping distance.
To remedy this, we recommend that you replace your problematic car parts with high-quality components from Hi Tech Auto PartsWorld.
Not only do we ship products to anywhere in New Zealand, but we’ll also be happy to advise you on the proper fitment for individual parts. Whether you need brand-new or new old stock (NOS) parts for your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep, we’re prepared to help you.
Ill-prepared for winter driving
It’s definitely worth paying attention to the changes in driving conditions you’re likely to encounter throughout the year.
In winter, for example, wet & slippery roads require more roads will be wet and more slippery, and they will be more prone to developing potholes. If your car isn’t properly equipped to handle these conditions, then you’re likely subjecting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road to a higher risk of accidents.
Once you notice a significant change in weather conditions, visit your local mechanic so that they can perform the necessary repair and maintenance work on your vehicle, in addition to outfitting it with the needed upgrades. When it’s time to hit the road with your newly improved vehicle, remember to drive carefully and defensively. Adjust your speed accordingly, and take extra caution while turning sharp corners.
Driving with broken or dusty lights, reducing your visibility.
Don’t neglect your car’s headlights or taillights either. After all, broken, cloudy, or dirt-encrusted lights will make it harder for you to navigate roads. Your visibility will be compromised, and it will be harder for others to see your vehicle, especially if it’s dark or foggy. Either way, it’s an accident just waiting to happen.
The simple solution to be had here is to switch out your lights or to clean them regularly. Combine functional head and tail lights with defensive driving practices (staying left, observing the 12-second rule for slowing down, and the like), and you’ll be doing your part to keep the road safe for everyone.
Not changing your car oil, thus causing your engine to deteriorate over time.
If your car goes without a healthy oil change for up to 20,000 kilometres, your engine will cease to lubricate properly. The resulting internal friction will cause the engine to overwork itself, thus shortening its overall service life.
To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to change your car’s oil every 3 to 4 months, or when it hits about 5,000 kilometres (whichever of the two comes first).
Letting your car endure minor problems, causing bigger, more expensive issues down the road.
The comparatively high cost of repairing a broken-down car versus the small costs associated with quick check-ups and parts replacements should be reason enough not to scrimp on vehicle maintenance. We know you have other bills to pay, so save yourself the grief of paying huge amounts of money on extensive repairs, and be diligent about your car’s regular maintenance instead!
When in doubt, visit a local auto technician, and get your car diagnosed for problems. If you need help looking for one, here are Hi Tech Auto PartsWorld’s own tips for vetting auto technicians in New Zealand.
In summary, vehicle maintenance matters a lot to the safety, well-being, and convenience of a driver. Poor maintenance could lead to headaches, serious financial trouble and—at the very worst—the endangerment of human lives. Keep the worst-case scenarios from ever happening with regular vehicle maintenance. As far as auto parts are concerned, you have the good people at Hi Tech Auto PartsWorld to help you out!