Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving Could Help You Avoid an Iowa Car Crash

As winter is upon us, it is essential to make sure that your vehicle is taken care of so you will be safe on Eastern Iowa roads this winter. Sometimes wet and harsh weather can take us by surprise. When this happens, it is too late to prepare your car for those conditions. This is why early detection and preventative maintenance can help you avoid Eastern Iowa car crashes this winter.

There are certain items on a car that are critical to your safety and need to be inspected often, which will help you avoid a crash and insurance claim down the road. These items include:

  • Tires
  • Windshield wiper blades
  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Brake lights
  • Horn

When these items are not inspected, maintained or functioning properly, it can be a direct factor in rain-related accidents and winter weather crashes in Iowa. For example, when wiper blades are not replaced, the blade can wear over time, get hard and crack from the sun's harsh rays. When this occurs, the wipers won't move the water out of a driver's way adequately. The blades may cause streaking and not allow the driver to see the road clearly.

While you are checking your windshield wiper blades, you should also "fill your windshield washer reservoir and check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly, so you can keep the windshield nice and clear, " says Marie Turner, a AAA auto claims manager.

Checking tire pressure and tire tread is also critical to your safety on the road. When tires are worn, they can lose contact with the road and hydroplane in wet weather. When driving in a rainstorm, it is best to have the best possible traction in order to avoid a Cedar Rapids auto accident.

Additionally, you should check to make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights and horn are working correctly before driving anytime, but especially prior to driving in a rainstorm. This will keep you visible when driving in harsh conditions and will help you avoid potential weather-related crashes in Eastern Iowa.

If someone else was responsible for your winter crash or rain-related accident, you may be entitled to a financial recovery for your damages, instances of pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and more. Call an experienced Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund today for a free, no-obligation discussion about your case at (319) 866-9277.