That’s a good question. Your vehicle’s safety is only as good as when the features and components designed to protect you and your vehicle occupants are functioning and performing their intended duty. So, how do you know they are functioning properly? How do you ensure your vehicle safety features will perform when you need them? In this article, we discuss five vehicle safety features along with the common problems you might experience. We also review ways you can proactively extend their lifespan to keep your driving experience a safe and happy one.
Simple Vehicle Safety Features
Let’s start with some safety features that you have less control with the ongoing maintenance of them, but nonetheless, are critical to your safety.
| Feature | Common Problems |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Airbags: In addition to your seatbelt, airbags play an important role in occupant restraint. When deployed in a collision, airbags protect us from impacts with hard objects such as the dashboard or steering wheel. Vehicles are equipped with side airbags as well to protect from crumpling metal. | Because airbags cannot be tested for proper function, it is critical to act upon any manufacture recalls that may be issued for your particular vehicle model and year. Check with your vehicle manufacturer or your Shade Tree Garage service professional to determine if you have any active recalls on your airbags. |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS is a feature that takes the guess work out of air pressure in your vehicle’s tires. Activated by sensors that are mounted on each wheel, TPMS displays air pressure alerts on your dashboard. TPMS is useful in pre-empting tire blowouts or flats. | TPMS is based on the sensors that are attached to each of your vehicle’s wheels. Sometimes those sensors may be faulty or corrode from water or dirt. Sensor batteries can also lose power, and require that the entire sensor is replaced. Keep an eye out for irregularities in readings on your dash vs. true manual tire pressure readings. Or, TPMS warning lights that do not go out. |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC is another sensor activated component that engages with the braking system when your vehicle may be losing control of the road as a result of steering over-correction or hazardous road conditions. If you have ever accelerated on a slippery road and a warning light comes on with a picture of a skidding vehicle, this is your ESC at work. | ESC is reliant upon sensors to feed the necessary information it needs to function. If the sensors or wiring is faulty, this may impact the efficacy of the ESC. You may know there’s a problem when the ESC warning light does not go out, or is not lit when it should be during hazardous driving conditions or steering over-correction. |
Complex Vehicle Safety Systems
| Features | Common Problems | Proactive Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Braking System: The braking system gives you the peace of mind that when you depress the brake pedal, your vehicle will slow down or stop. Brakes are activated by fluid in brake lines that creates pressure on clamps to the wheels. These clamps are called calipers and they clamp on the rotors mounted on wheels to stop the vehicle in motion. | The braking system works hard to keep you and your vehicle occupants safe. Because they are used so often, and sometimes overused, they are subject to wear and tear. Common problems with the braking system may include: Wear and tear on pads or rotors Damaged or worn calipers Leaks of brake fluid | The components of the braking system are much easier to diagnose and repair or replace. Specific actions you can take as a driver include having the brake pads and rotors checked for wear and tear. Also, brake fluid should be replaced every few years in addition to bleeding the lines of air. |
| Suspension System: Without your vehicle suspension, you and your vehicle occupants would feel every bump of the road surface. The suspension absorbs the shocks of the road surfaces to ensure a smooth ride. The suspension system includes your vehicle steering and tires, and components such as springs and shock absorbers. | Suspension systems are designed to take a beating from the road. But a vehicle suspension that is subjected to continuous rough surfaces and bad driving practices can eventually wear down. Common problems with the suspension system may include: Leaking shocks or steering fluid Worn, warped or cracked struts and springs Unevenly worn tire treads | Poor suspensions can initially be diagnosed by the sounds and movement of your vehicle. If your vehicle pulls to one direction, or sits low on one end, squeaks or bounces, or nose dives when braking – these may be signs of suspension problems. Always keep your tires properly inflated and pay attention to road surfaces. Try to avoid hazardous ones that could damage your suspension. Consider tire rotation every time you get an oil change and a wheel alignment every year or so. |
Three Last Tips
If you take the time to be more proactive with your vehicle’s safety features, you increase your safety odds immeasurably.
Always follow these three tips:
- Keep your eyes and ears open to irregularities with your vehicle’s safety components,
- address all safety issues promptly, and,
- follow all ongoing maintenance guidelines for your vehicle.
When in doubt, schedule an appointment with the automotive service professionals at Shade Tree Garage, conveniently located in Morristown, New Jersey. Remember, we give you peace of mind about the safety and reliability of your car.