Car accidents can be horrific. There are many reasons that two cars may collide, or one vehicle may swerve off the road into a barrier. While accidents are often due to drunk driving or a failure to pay attention to the road, there are some car accidents that occur because the vehicle malfunctions. When you are driving, you want to have the assurance that your car is going to operate like it's supposed to. When engines act up, or the brakes become temperamental, it can be fatal. Car manufacturers work hard to make sure that their vehicles abide by very strict manufacturing codes. However, if you do not continue maintaining your car after purchase, you may run into a malfunction that could cost you your life.

In order to keep your car running safe and smooth, you can apply some practical, easy car maintenance tips. The most important part of your car is the engine. If this breaks down, you will be in deep trouble. To keep your engine running smoothly, get your engine belts checked every 25,000 miles. You will need to replace these belts every 50,000 miles so that the car does not defect. The engine belts control everything within the engine and car from the alternator to the air conditioning compressor. Because rubber perishes, you will need to check your timing belts and get them fixed or replaced whenever there is a problem.

Also, you will want to check your oil level, and have the oil replaced when your change oil light comes on. Too much or too little oil can create trouble for your engine. To check your oil level, park on flat ground and wait until the engine has cooled. Then, find a dipstick and place it into the oil container. Pull it out and wipe it clean, then put it back in again. When you pull it out this second time, inspect the line where the oil stops. Normally a dipstick will have high and low markers. If your line is between them, then your level is acceptable. If it is below or above the normal amount, see a mechanic.

You should also check your coolant levels every once and a while. While every engine is different, the auto handbook that came with your car can probably tell you where your engine coolant reservoir is. It is normally bolted to one side of the engine bay. Normally the reservoir is a white transparent bottle, and you will be able to determine the amount of coolant in the container just by looking at it. Manufacturers normally add low and high markings on the bottle, so you can make sure that your engine coolant is within these marks. If it is not, then you should purchase some coolant at an automotive store and use a funnel to pour it into the container.

Next, keep an eye on your tires. When they are getting flat, make sure to pump them up with air. It may be wise to quickly check your tire pressure every week or two, just to make sure that it is fine. If your tire has been punctured while driving, remove and replace it as soon as possible. Driving on a flat tire can be very dangerous. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so and clean the brake dust off of them regularly. This dust can have all sorts of dust and grime from the road, and too much gunk can bake onto your wheels, causing issues. These are only a few of the basic auto maintenance tips that you can practice in order to keep your car in pristine condition. By taking good care of your vehicle, you will lessen the chance of a glitch, and may reduce your chance for a car accident.