| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-11-09 08
November 9 - 15 - Vehicle Maintenance
No matter how well you drive, you are not safe unless your vehicle is in good
condition. You keep your vehicle in good condition by having the vehicle
properly maintained. If it is not, your car could fail you at a critical
moment, and you could be in a serious crash. Read your owner's manual
carefully to become familiar with your vehicle's maintenance schedule and
requirements.
What parts of the vehicle should be properly maintained?
- Lights - Make sure all of your lights work and are clean. Check headlights,
taillights, directional signals and interior lights.
- Windshield - It is important to keep your windshield clean, inside and out.
Check your wiper blades as worn blades can leave streaks on the windshield
that will interfere with driver visibility.
- Mirrors - All vehicles should be equipped with one rearview mirror mounted
inside the vehicle that allows a view to the rear of at least 200 ft. A rearview mirror should also be placed on each side of the vehicle mounted on the
outside of the doorframes. Make sure that your mirrors are clean and pointed
in the correct direction. The mirrors are designed to assist drivers in
keeping track of traffic around their vehicles.
- Tires - Tires are designed to grip the road and give the driver directional
control. Bald, excessively worn, or improperly inflated tires decrease the
ability of the driver to control the vehicle. Rotating your tires helps
prolong their life and improve fuel economy. On most vehicles, tires should
be rotated about twice a year; however, you should consult your owner's
manual for the recommended rotation pattern and frequency for your vehicle.
- Brakes - It is important to pay attention to any strange sounds you may hear
when you apply your brakes, such as grinding or squeaking sounds. Any such
noise should alert you to have your brakes inspected. The brake pad wear limit
indicators on disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads areworn to
where replacement is required.
- Belts, hoses, regular tune ups - Have your belts and hoses checked at
the regularly scheduled time periods mentioned in your owner's manual. Also,
get
a tune-up at the scheduled maintenance time.
Maintenance requirements vary widely from one vehicle to another. Failing to
follow your particular vehicle owner's manual's maintenance regime could void
your vehicle's warranty.
To remind drivers of the importance of vehicle maintenance, the Medicine Hat
Police Service safety messaging trailer will be displaying "A well maintained
vehicle - Is a safe vehicle" between November 9th to the 15th. Through proper
maintenance, your vehicle will function as advertised and will increase the
potential for you to come through an emergency situation in one piece.
For more information please contact:
Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
