Creaks and backlash

Every year, the poor technical condition of cars causes many traffic accidents. Spring is the time to check your car and prepare it for safe driving. What you should pay attention to is what Renault driving school instructors advise.

The most common causes of accidents related to the unsatisfactory technical condition of the car include lack of lighting, tires, brake system failures and steering failures. Therefore, when inspecting, carefully check the condition of these items, including the condition and quantity of brake fluid, cooling system fluid, washer fluid, engine oil and power steering oil, as well as the condition of the brake pads and discs.

Everyone should already change their winter tires to summer tires, and if someone else has not done this, then for safety reasons, this should be taken care of as soon as possible. Tires designed for winter driving lose their properties at temperatures above about 7˚C, which means they do not provide us with the proper level of safety, as they can lengthen the braking distance and, due to the fact that they wear out faster, and at higher temperatures soften, they are more prone to punctures, says Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school.

Driving on non-snowy roads full of invisible potholes, blocks of ice that we hit on the chassis, even with the utmost care, can lead to suspension failure, damage to tires or wheels. Therefore, after winter, you should carefully check the condition of the chassis, especially when you feel any play in the steering system, hear the knock and creak of the steering wheel coming from the chassis.

Rubber car parts such as windshield wipers are especially vulnerable to damage in winter, also because many drivers turn them on instead of clearing snow and de-icing windows. Wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, once of them right now, especially when they leave streaks, "squeak" or their blades are deformed.