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Caring for Your Car
When people get behind the wheel, they wear their seat belt, pay attention and take other safety precautions to help them reach their destination safely. However, one precaution people often overlook is taking care of their vehicles.
"Properly maintaining your vehicle is an important part of traffic safety," says Tim Hoyt, Nationwide's Vice President of Safety. "Ensuring your car is in good working order prevents breakdowns and, in extreme cases, loss of control."
Taking a few precautions can go a long way toward preserving your car and keeping you safe. Hoyt offers the following tips to form safe habits and keep your car in top shape.
- Stay current on all regular maintenance such as changing the oil, replacing wiper blades and checking fluid levels. This helps keep your car in good working order and prevents breakdowns. It also reduces pollution.
- Don't wait to have a problem checked out. A small problem can turn into a big problem down the road.
- Keep the inside and outside of your car clean. This will help you clearly see out the windows and avoid unexpected objects.
- Check your tires once a month for wear and tear. Look for signs of uneven wear and debris and make sure tires are properly inflated at the right pressure.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Check the spare tire. Carry a first aid kit, emergency flares, jumper cables and other tools that might be needed in the event of an emergency.
- Don't let the gas tank get close to empty. It could lead to a clogged fuel filter and a stalling engine. You might also run out of gas because of unexpected construction and other delays.
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