Look after your vehicle and it will look after you
I enjoy looking after my vehicle. When I drive a vehicle that looks and operates effectively, I feel more in control of it. Knowing my vehicle will respond correctly when I need it to is important for me. Knowing the brakes will stop my vehicle when I press the pedal is important. Knowing the vehicle will accelerate when I press the gas pedal is also important to me. Most drivers rely on those features to protect them, but is there anything else that can protect us while we’re in the vehicle?
Now, you may be thinking the seatbelts and airbags and anything else that protects us while we’re driving, but what about the outside of the vehicle? Shouldn’t we look after the outside of the vehicle so we can use it effectively? Shouldn’t the vehicle help the driver stay safe when they’re driving?
While I was out with my friends, I noticed a vehicle passing us that had the side mirror being held together with elastics. Elastics. What would make the driver feel they could continue to drive the vehicle without proper safety features like a side mirror? Wouldn’t they want to secure it to the vehicle so it can be used properly? I can imagine the mirror vibrating to much it would be useless to the driver. Having a safe vehicle that allows the driver to safely maneuver it should be on every driver’s mind.
What about the vehicle in the next photo? I guess the driver decided they didn’t need a rear bumper. I know a bumper doesn’t really absorb a lot of impact in a rear crash, but it does absorb some of it. Not having a bumper can result in a severe jolt to the passengers if another vehicle hits it squarely. So, what happened to the bumper? I can only imagine what happened to it. I kind of feel sorry for the vehicle. It started off looking new, but for some reason it wasn’t looked after properly.
A vehicle isn’t just for getting from point A to point B. It’s about getting there safely. Look after your vehicle and it will look after you.
**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as unusual “fixes” people did with their vehicle is discussed!
Hi safedriver,
Could you do a blog post about what an average driver should do himself to maintain his/her vehicle between checkups at the dealership? Thanks.