Service King Austin (South)

5 Safety Issues that Many People Forget About

Most everyone knows that under-inflated tires or old windshield wipers are safety issues, but many don't realize that these five vehicle safety issues are often overlooked. 

1.) Missing airbags: A new study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nearly one in every five fatal accidents involves vehicles with missing airbags. This is something that should concern everyone, especially if  you own a previously owned vehicle. Don't assume that you're in the clear just because there are no signs of collision-related damage-- airbags can deploy from low-speed collisions that may cause minor or no damage at all. Check the car's history, or ask the people at your repair shop to check for signs of possible prior airbag deployment.

2.) Damaged and/or rusted brake lines: Brake lines can be prone to rust and breakage, especially if you live in an area with seriously cold weather. Many of the chemicals that are used to treat the roads during cold winters contain corrosive chemicals that can seriously damage brake lines. Unlike many other brake problems, damaged brake lines won't give you telltale signs, like squealing or grinding. Whenever checking your brake lines, always look for puddles of leaking brake fluid. When in doubt, replace your brake lines and live another day. 

3.) Damaged headlight lenses: Bad lenses can reduce your visibility, creating a hazardous situation when you are driving at night and/or in bad weather. Discoloration and scratches on plastic headlight lenses can be caused by slush, road salt, street debris and stones, so always be sure to check them for gouges, cracks or moisture that gets within the headlight. Any of these would indicate the seal has likely failed, which can make your light considerably less bright and shorten the life of that (usually expensive) bulb inside.

4.) Compromised bumpers: If you've had any type of fender bender or own a used car with a murky and uncertain past, you might want to be concerned. Today's bumpers utilize a dense foam material to absorb the impact, but they are designed to work only once. Even if they look okay from the outside, the underlying structure could be compressed, which means the next mishap might be fatal. Have your bumpers checked if you're not sure.

5.) Dying or damaged batteries: Seasonal changes can be a death sentence for weak batteries. Lots of drivers are conscious of checking their car batteries in the fall, but it's also important to check them year round, because any temperature extreme can send a weak battery over the edge.

At Service King Austin (South), we want everyone to be safe out on the roads and highways here in Austin, TX and all over the USA. Check back here for more safety tips and important facts about your vehicle! 

Sources: YouTube, CNN and AOL