Road accidents have claimed many lives and left many victims with severe and life-threatening injuries over the past two decades. The sad news is that these incidences are constantly rising for different reasons, including driving under the influence and poorly-done roads. Nonetheless, vehicle mechanic issues also rank among the leading road accident causes. Some people know these issues, but others need more education. This article covers five mechanical defects causing accidents on global roads to paint a clear image of what they entail and their dangers.
1. Braking System Failures
A vehicle’s braking system is among the most critical parts of any automobile. The primary function of the brakes is to stop the vehicle whenever necessary, such as in a traffic jam or when driving down a slope. Nevertheless, braking failures can be fatal, especially when the car is moving at high speed. Search “auto defect attorney near me” if you are a motorist who’s been in an accident resulting from braking system defects.
Brake fluid leaks, defective braking lights, and worn-out brake pads are the major causes of a car’s braking system defects. Unfortunately, accidents resulting from this malfunction range from mild to severe, depending on the speed the vehicle is traveling at. Mild accidents cause minor damage, but severe ones can be fatal and cause significant property damage.
2. Engine Failure
An automobile’s engine is its heart because it can’t function without this part. Today, a wide range of engines function differently, especially with the innovation of electric vehicles. Nevertheless, the engine type is a minor consideration because all engines can have manufacturing and design defects. These flaws occasionally lead to fires, stalls, and unplanned downshifting.
All these results pose high risks to drivers and other road users. You must have heard of vehicles exploding in transit and causing traffic accidents. This is one of the scenarios depicting the seriousness of a car engine malfunctioning.
3. Worn Out Tires
The tires are the major parts that enable vehicles to move from one point to another. Nevertheless, these essential parts have a lifespan, meaning they’re unsafe to use after their durability period is over. Sadly, many motorists and vehicle owners ignore the necessity of regular tire checkups and replacements.
Tire manufacturers indicate their products’ lives, but sometimes this information is misleading. Worn-out wheels cause tread separation, increasing the chances of the tires coming off as you drive the car. Many accidents have resulted from tires that detach from a vehicle either because the driver didn’t screw them in tightly or they’re completely worn out.
4. A Defective Steering System
The steering wheel and system direct a vehicle to the direction the driver intends to take. Unfortunately, a defective steering system means the motorist loses control of the vehicle. Steering system design and manufacturing imperfections have led to several road accidents because drivers can’t control their vehicles. This results in crashing into other traffic or stationary objects, leading to property damage, injuries, and deaths.
5. A Faulty Fuel System
A defective fuel system may not cause an accident, but it can make it worse than it would have otherwise been. Imagine a vehicle with a fuel leak colliding with another vehicle, and there are some sparks. The fuel increases the risk of the involved cars going up in flames and causing severe damage. It’s always advisable to keep up with regular fuel system maintenance to prevent such occurrences.
Mechanical failures account for a good percentage of road accidents. Sometimes, these defects arise due to the driver’s or car owner’s negligence. In other instances, these flaws arise from vehicle manufacturing and designing. Whichever the case, you should understand the main mechanical issues that cause traffic crashes, as explained above.
