Braking News with Brian: Crystal Ball

I’ve been collecting mechanics’ hand tools for most of my life. I’ve shopped in stores, tool catalogs, and tool trucks. I’ve owned just about every kind of tool, except one…a crystal ball. I’ve seen them in movies and on TV, but alas, I’ve concluded that they don’t exist.

So, you’re probably wondering what a crystal ball has to do with automotive repair. Well, many customers call and ask, “Is my car safe to drive?” Or “How long can my car be driven in its current condition before something serious breaks?" Most often, I’ll hear, “I know my tires are bald or getting low, but how many more miles can I go on them?” These are the moments I wish I did have a crystal ball, so I could answer with confidence and assurance.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS, 2005-2007), the data represents an estimated 2,189,000 crashes nationwide. They concluded that about 94% of these crashes were caused by the driver. The next statistic really caught my attention. Only about 2% of crashes were caused by a vehicle component’s failure or degradation. 

That 2% of crashes caused by vehicle parts failing isn’t tiny when you consider how many cars are on the road. It means moms, dads, kids, and loved ones are in danger not only from driver mistakes, but also from mechanical failures that often go unchecked.

When safety is in question, there is no room for guessing. Too many variables can come into play, and the consequences can be disastrous. So here are my 3 defaults: 

1. Fix what is broken now. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
2. Catch up on all past due maintenance and keep up with preventive maintenance. Oil changes, brakes, tires— stay ahead of the curve.
3. Find a trusted mechanic and have them inspect your car at least twice a year, or in between services. 

If you do these three things, you’ll have a much safer car and be a more confident driver. And you can finally toss aside that imaginary crystal ball (if you were ever lucky enough to have one).