No Days Off: Keeping Your Car Ready for Anything

Imagine having to do a tough job every day, no matter if it’s raining, snowing, hot, cold, windy, or humid. Some of us can easily picture that and advise on how to prepare properly to handle that challenge in a constantly changing environment. What would that look like? It all depends on the specific situation, right?

There is someone you know personally who works extremely hard and faces the weather without warning: your car, your truck, your vehicle. Think about it. Your vehicle is required to do its job no matter what. There are no days off unless it breaks down, and when it does break down, it’s not just your vehicle’s day off – it might be yours too.

What can you do to make sure your vehicle stays on the road as we move through winter into the hopefully not-too-far-away weeks of spring?

In 2018, Utah removed the mandatory safety inspection and entrusted vehicle owners to inspect and repair their cars as needed. Since that legislative change, the number of safety issues identified has increased significantly, and their severity is concerning. The rise of quick-lube centers has diminished comprehensive vehicle inspections, focusing more on filters and fluids rather than crucial components like brakes, ball joints, and bearings. What steps can you take to keep your family and vehicle safe, especially when the weather becomes problematic?

Wherever you choose to get your vehicle serviced, ask for a safety inspection at least once a year. Not only will you learn about your brake pads’ material depth, but also about any steering looseness, suspension issues, and tire tread life. A little warning before a sudden part failure can save you a lot of time and money.

Of course, accidents happen even to the well-prepared, so I encourage you to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s emergency supplies in case the unexpected occurs. Make sure you have blankets, fresh water, and non-perishable foods. Include a lamp or flashlight in your vehicle, along with a first-aid kit. When preparing, consider what each family member might need in such a situation.

As Sir Francis Bacon once said, “scientia potentia est,” or knowledge is power. An annual safety inspection and reviewing your vehicle’s emergency supplies will empower you against the elements this season, so you can focus on what matters most instead of spending time on the side of the road.