Top 3 Car Parts That will Save Your Life

Car accidents are one the risks we take each time we get behind the wheel. They can happen to anyone, at any time. The majority are caused by impaired driving. Statistics show that about 45% of car accidents involve drugs or alcohol. Driver error is also a leading cause of accidents, with 25% to 33% of accidents occurring because drivers fail to look both ways before entering traffic, drivers are tired, drivers are aggressive on the road, or they don't have enough experience behind the wheel.

Accidents cause also be caused by mechanical failures, though, particularly when a car hasn't been maintained well. Certain car parts are much more likely to be responsible for an accident occurring, like wiper blades, brakes, and steering linkage.

Wiper Blades

Windscreen wiper blades are one of the most critical requirements for safe driving, as they help to provide drivers with a clear and safe view of the road, no matter what kind of weather or road condition may be blocking their view. These devices are used to move aside rain and debris from the windscreen and consist of one arm with a long rubber blade attached at the end of a pivot.

Most wipers work together with windscreen washers, a pump that squirts out a mixture of water, detergent, and alcohol onto the windscreen to help clean it.

118 accidents and two fatalities in the UK in 2011 were caused by dirty or scratched windscreens. 1786 accidents occurred because of rain, sleet, and snow, many of which could have been prevented with proper windscreen wipers. These car parts are important to your safety on the road and should be replaced if you notice any of the following signs:

• Streaking or bands where water isn't removed from the windscreen when wipers are in use. This often caused when the rubber part of the wiper dries, hardens, and cracks.

• Squeaking sounds coming from the wiper blade can indicate that the blade structure has become worn, hardened, or deformed.

• Aged, worn, or using the wrong adaptor for the blade can cause the wipers to vibrate excessively.

• Have you noticed that your wiper blades seem to 'hop' as they go across the windscreen? This can be caused by changes tot he characteristics of the wiper arm or worn out blade linkage.

Brakes

Brake shoes and pads are essential car parts, but they are wear items and only have a limited amount of service life. In fact, the more you drive, the more your brakes are going to wear out. Eventually they will become so worn that they have to be replaced.

Other parts of your brakes, including the mechanical and hydraulic components will also wear down over time. With age, the hoses and rubber seals tend to leak and deteriorate; the metal components become victims of rust and corrosion. If the brake system springs a leak, the brakes may fail because there wont' be enough hydraulic pressure when you apply the brakes.

In 2011, defective brakes were responsible for 728 accidents in the UK and eight deaths. If you notice the following signs, have these car parts inspected immediately.

• The brake pedal feels spongy or soft

• The brake pedal is low

• Scraping metallic noises occur when you apply the brake pedal

• The brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when you are holding firm pressure on it

Steering Linkage

The steering linkage on your car consists of tie rod ends that can become worn over time and loose. This can result in play and looseness in the steering, which you should be able to feel when you drive. The car may want to go over to the side of the road when you're trying to drive safe because of it. The danger occurs when the tie rod end becomes so worn that it fails completely and pulls apart. This can cause you to lose complete control of the steering and the car will veer sharply in the direction that tie rod failed. While you may find yourself on the shoulder of the motorway, you could just as easily end up in the path of oncoming traffic.

Tie rod ends need to be inspected regularly, but especially if you notice that your tyres have worn out prematurely or unusually. Speak to a mechanic and have them evaluate whether there is any visible play in the tie rods, as this could indicate that they have become loose and need to be replaced.

In a 2011 report, loss of control of a vehicle was reported to be the most common contributing factor for fatal accidents in the UK. Don't wait to have your tie rods inspected if you notice any looseness or play in the steering.

Protect Yourself With Replacement Car Parts

What other car parts should you consider important and even life-saving? While there is no part on your car that doesn't have a specific responsibility, some are more essential to your actual safety than others. Take head lamps for instance. A high percentage of car accidents occur at night, when visibility is limited and drivers depend on the lights from their vehicles to help them see. If a light is broken or dim, it can be hard for a driver to see what is coming toward them- or what they are driving toward. This limits the amount of time drivers have to anticipate problems in the road.

Other car parts to consider are defective indicators, missing or defective mirrors, illegal or under inflated tyres, and defective suspension systems. Each of these can be contributive to an accident.

In the time it took you to read through this article, a number of accidents have occurred. Statistics show that car accidents that result in injuries occur every 14 seconds, and every 12 minutes a car accident will occur in which someone will lose their life. What are you waiting for? Take the time to evaluate the condition of your car regularly and check these essential car parts. They could save your life.