When we drive almost every day, it can be easy to get lulled into an unrealistic sense of security. For those of us who spend a lot of time on the road, our car can come to feel like a trusty extension of ourselves. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the unexpected can catch us all off guard once in a while! Safety on the road ? for ourselves and our vehicle ? is well worth putting some thought into. From a meticulous seat belt habit, to investing in security, or creating a car safety kit: being prepared when something unforeseen does happen can save a huge amount of heartache. With this in mind, we’ve put together our three top tips for ultimate peace of mind. Integrate these simple car safety suggestions into your roadside routine, and discover greater confidence that life’s diversions will be scenic, rather than stressful!
STEP ONE. Make Vehicle Maintenance A Car-Care Ritual
We’re kicking things off with an idea that’s not that exciting ? we know. You’d be amazed how many avoidable issues cause stalled journeys and road-side strandings! Imagine breaking down late at night, on a dark road in an unfamiliar area. We think you’ll agree, it doesn’t sound appealing. As dull as those vehicle checks might be, they might just save you the frustration of a long wait for the recovery truck! We tend to ritualize all sorts of good habits, from regular workouts to getting our hair cut. Simply put, our car deserves just the same care and attention.
Roadside assistance company AAA recommends checking vehicle fluids more often than at the 5,000- to 10,000-mile service intervals, which is the standard today. It’s not only vehicle fluids that benefit from regular checks too. Your car tires and battery both deserve a little awareness as well. We recommend taking a moment for some monthly car-care. Scheduling it into your calendar, or setting a reminder on your phone can help you turn a chore into a habit in no time! Make the following checks every month, and combine this good practice with regular services. Know that you will be far less likely to roll to a stop any time soon. Always visit your mechanic if anything is not as it should be.
Don’t forget to check your:
- Tires
- Battery
- Lights
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windscreen wipers and liquid
STEP TWO. Create Your Own Car Safety Kit
If you do experience a breakdown, having a car safety kit prepared can make life so much easier! A roadside emergency might not even be your own ? you may discover that someone else is experiencing a really bad day, and could use your assistance. From making minor repairs, to seeking help, or being visible in the dark, a few key items can make all the difference. Depending on the climate where you are located, you may need to prepare for heat or cold too.
We’ve made a few suggestions regarding the essentials you should keep in your car – take a look at this article for inspiration and feel free to add your must-have items to the list!
STEP THREE. Keep An Extra Eye On Your Car With A Dashcam
None of us have the capacity to keep an eye on everything all the time, which is why a dashcam can be so handy. You’ve probably come across the idea that a dashcam records what’s going on around the car. But the truth is, dashcams nowadays offer so much more! A BlackVue dashcam such as our flagship 4K UHD BlackVue DR900S-2CH provides a camera view of both front and rear of the vehicle. You can check on your car at any time from anywhere, on your smartphone or tablet, using the BlackVue Cloud service. You can download the recorded videos straight to your phone via direct Wi-Fi connection, or upload them to the Cloud.
But that’s not all! If your BlackVue is paired up with one of our accessories, the dashcam will switch into “Parking Mode” after five minutes of remaining stationary. If you are concerned about any kind of damage to your parked vehicle, a dashcam provides an excellent deterrent – or, at least, offers a watchful eye when you are away. Hit & runs are unfortunately more common that we’d like to think, as illustrated vividly by multiple #CaughtOnBlackVue testimonies by BlackVue dashcam users. With a BlackVue dashcam recording in Parking Mode, you can rest assured that your car is protected, even when you’re away.
We hope you’ll consider incorporating these tips into your car safety practices. Which car safety concepts do you think are the most vital? What good habits have saved you from trouble in the past? Here at BlackVue, we’re always excited to hear from you!