The roadways can be busy in Chicago, Illinois. The city is bustling with residents, workers, day visitors and tourists. Many of these people opt for driving as their main mode of transportation.
Unfortunately, there is little that you can do to control the behavior of other road users. What you can do is make sure that you are in the best shape to stay safe. A key part of this process involves vehicular maintenance.
Although every part of your car plays a role in your overall safety, few components are more important than your brakes. Ultimately, your brakes slow you down or can bring you to an efficient stop should the need to do so arise. If they are faulty, then you are in danger. What are the most common warning signs of brake failure?
Warning lights
Thankfully, electronics have contributed significantly to the safety of modern vehicles. This can be seen in the form of warning lights. Your braking systems have sensors that can tell you there’s an issue before it becomes too serious. If you spot a warning light on your dash, for example, the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) light, this could be a sign that something is amiss. If this happens, it is important to get the car looked over by a knowledgeable party before embarking on longer journeys.
Fluid leaks
Checking your vehicle before setting off is a great habit. There are several visual signs that your brakes may be faulty, with signs of fluid leaks being one of the more prominent warnings. If you check the floor area around your wheels and spot signs of fluid, you may have a leak. Most modern braking systems operate through hydraulics, which means fluid levels must be optimized for maximum performance. If you head out on the roads with a leak, you may not be able to stop in time when you need to do so.
Vehicular maintenance is a key part of road safety. Sadly, some collisions are simply unavoidable. If you have been injured in an accident in Illinois, you should see what legal options are open to you.
