5 Tips to Help Avoid a Breakdown or Accident

Vehicle breakdowns and accidents can change the trajectory of your day for the worse in an instant and lead to costly repairs that could leave you without your car for days or weeks.

Good driving habits and regular vehicle care can reduce the risk you will run into major problems on the road that require a tow truck.

Keep your vehicle running reliably with a maintenance schedule your car's manufacturer recommends. Common issues like worn brake pads or electrical issues are usually detectable during routine maintenance before they cause a problem on the road that leads to an accident or breakdown that requires a tow.

Also, check your vehicle's fluids at least once a month. Oil is particularly important since it lubricates the engine's moving parts and prevents heat and friction from damaging the engine and causing a breakdown.

You may not want to take time out of your busy schedule to take your car in when a warning light comes on or you notice an odd noise while driving that was not there before. However, ignoring warning signs of a problem greatly increases your chance of a roadside emergency.

Pay attention to any dash lights that warn you that your fluids are low or that key systems, such as anti-lock brakes, do not work properly or are due for routine service.

Squealing or grinding noises can indicate a brake problem that could lead to an accident or a loose belt. Clunking or banging under the hood can mean an engine valve problem. 

Other noises can indicate serious issues with the wheels, axles, or joints, so have a mechanic investigate any strange sounds.

You can't avoid an accident if you can't see what you're about to hit. Make a point of taking a moment to check all of your vehicle's mirrors and make sure you have proper visibility before you pull out of your parking spot.

Adjust your rear- and side-view mirrors to help compensate for any blind spots, and be aware of the spaces around your vehicle that the mirrors do not show so you know where to manually check for other vehicles around you on the road.

Distracted driving leads to accidents. Drivers know this, yet many still drive without their full attention on the road at least some of the time. New vehicles with more features and electronics increase the temptation to put your focus on something other than driving.

Wait until you are safely parked to send texts and make phone calls and set the radio and GPS before you leave for your destination. 

Keeping your attention solely focused on your driving will also help you drive defensively, which also reduces the risk of an accident.

Driving over the speed limit or driving through yellow lights might seem like it will get you to your destination faster, but these actions are not worth the increased risk of an accident.

One of the best ways you can protect yourself on the road is to simply follow the traffic laws and obey the speed limit. Drive with both hands on the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to give you better control of the vehicle.

AA Wrecker Service offers 24-hour towing service in Tarrant County and surrounding areas. If your car needs a tow due to a breakdown or accident, contact us today to schedule one of our reliable wreckers to come to you.