Your car is likely your main transportation method, a sizable expense, and perhaps your pride and joy. But it it can also be a 4,000 lb. dangerous weapon if not maintained and used properly. While not changing your oil can lead to engine damage over time, there are certain aspects of your car that, if neglected, can put your life, and the lives of those around you at risk.
1) Brakes - The only thing stopping your 4,000 lb. car from a collision is your vehicle's braking system. If there's one part of your car that needs function perfectly for you to be safe, this is it. Frequently check all of your brake components to make sure that they aren't worn, or defective. If you experience any strange noises, vibrations, or anything else out of the ordinary when slowing or stopping, take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately. Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) is another braking feature that's vital to safety, especially in low-traction situations. If your ABS light comes on in your car, make sure to have your car inspected immediately, as a vehicle with a malfunctioning ABS system is more vulnerable to accidents.
2) Mirrors - Visibility is a huge aspect of safe driving. Advancements in technology are developing a method to allow you a 360 degree view of what's around your car within the next decade. Not being able to see what's around and behind you creates the possibility of an accident due to unsafe lane changes, turns, and not seeing cars or emergency vehicles around you. Astute drivers use their mirrors and are aware of their surroundings, and state laws typically require mirrors to be installed in vehicles in order to become registered. Not adjusting your mirrors, or using them for visibility is risky, and as anyone who has been cut off in traffic before knows that it's incredibly dangerous as well.
3) Lights - Unless you have night vision, you need your headlights to see what's in front of you. But these aren't the only lights important to safety. Your brake lights let you know the people behind you that you're preparing to stop, and help you avoid getting rear-ended, while your turn signals (if you're one of the people who actually uses them) warn other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians of your intentions to make a turn. Your dashboard lights are also important, as is your interior dome light. The only light you may not care about is your license plate light, but the police sure do. Always make sure your lights are working properly, since it's when you need them the most that you will regret neglecting them. You can also be sure that the police will be happy to let you know when your lights aren't working, only they'll probably let you know with a citation.
4) Steering - Losing control of your steering is a nightmare that no driver ever wants to experience. Power steering has made steering itself nearly effortless through adding controlled energy to the steering mechanics of the car. However, power steering has also made the entire steering system more complicated, and expensive to repair. As with brakes, if you feel anything at all that's off with your steering, you need to get to a mechanic as soon as possible. If the steering feels like it's not completely in your control, have your vehicle towed to a mechanic shop. Do not, under any circumstances attempt to drive.
5) Airbags - In addition to being literal life-savers, airbags are one of the most frequently stolen items from cars due to their resale value. The airbag was first patented by American John W. Hetrick who came up with the idea after getting in a car accident due to a big rock laying in the middle of the roadway. He wondered why there wasn't some way to come up with a device to block the driver or passenger from hitting things inside the vehicle after an accident. The technology of the day was limited, and it took decades before the airbag was universally adopted in the automotive industry. Again, if you have any warning indicators whatsoever that your airbag isn't functioning properly, you need to have it checked, as it could mean the difference between life and death. Also be mindful if ever buying a salvage vehicle, or a vehicle where the airbags have been deployed, and make sure that there are fully-functioning airbags which have been installed since.
6) Ignition - This is included in the list due to the 2014 General Motors recall. GM's vehicles had a faulty ignition switch, which apparently caused the engine to shut off while driving and therefore preventing the airbags from going off. Your ignition system turns your vehicle on by igniting a fuel-air mixture, but in GM's case, it has been linked to 13 deaths and 31 crashes, and that's according to GM's own numbers. While this hasn't been a part typically linked to safety failures, GM has shown the need for manufacturers to check this part which has the potential to turn your vehicle off while on the road.
7) Tires - We cannot stress enough how important your tires really are. They are literally the only connection between your car and the road, with you in it. Bald, worn, defective, warped, deflated, over-inflated tires are all severe safety risks. This applies for your entire wheel as well, always make sure that your wheels are properly inflated, undamaged, have lots of tread on them, and if experiencing a problem such as vibration, or poor handling, or anything that differs from the norm, immediately bring your vehicle to an auto or tire shop for inspection.
8) Seat belts - Seat belts are completely unnecessary if you never get in a car accident. However, there is no doubt that they save lives in the quite possible event that you do experience one. Seat belts are actually so obvious, that they were invented in the early 19th century. It was in the late 1940's that a doctor who owned a neurological practice and had lots of patients with severe head injuries from automobile accidents lobbied the automotive industry to adopt retractable seat belts. It would be impossible for us to imagine a new vehicle that didn't come equipped with seat belts, and most of us feel uncomfortable if we don't buckle up since we've become so used to it, and that's a good thing.
9) Windshield / windshield -wipers - Your windshield keeps you protected from the elements and also allows you proper visibility when it's not neglected. Your windshield wipers allow you to drive through rain, snow, sleet, mud, and anything else mother nature can hurl at you, which is why it's mind-boggling to see how some people can continue to drive they cars with cracked or shattered windshields or ripped or broken wiper blades. This would be like running on the sidewalk with cracked, foggy glasses and hoping that nothing bad happens; it's not realistic. If your windshield is cracked, have it replaced or sealed before a small crack gets worse. If your wipers are falling apart, replace them, don't play games.
10) You - Technically you're not a car part, we understand that. But you are arguably the car's most important safety feature, since it's completely in your control. Becoming a safe, cautious, and smart driver is the single most important thing you can do to minimize your chances of hurting yourself or someone else with your vehicle, short of not driving altogether. Proper head checks, signaling, braking, being aware of your surroundings, obeying traffic laws, and, very importantly, keeping track of the condition of your vehicle and all of the other safety features we just mentioned. Drive safely, make sure your vehicle is safe, and your safety, and that of your family and anyone else driving with you will be assured.
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