Many car owners tolerate road grime, dirty
windshields, and littered cabins as embarrassing but not critical problems. In
truth, however, many common messes found in or on cars can lead to safety
problems, which in turn may lead to accidents that damage vehicles and injure
occupants.
If you want to make sure that you give
yourself and your loved ones the safest, easiest driving experience possible,
pay attention to the cleanliness of your car's interior and exterior. Here are
four examples of how neglect in this area can set the stage for danger and
damage.
1. Loose Objects Cause Distractions
Anyone who has ever experienced whiplash
due to an auto collision can attest to the forces transferred to a car's cabin
during a sudden stop. Unrestrained objects inside the cabin (including, in some
cases, the heads of occupants) can keep moving around even when the vehicle has
stopped.
The same force that might throw your head
forward can also send loose objects flying into your auto glass, or they can
collide with you or a passenger. And you should keep in mind that you don't
have to get into a collision to experience this danger. Any sudden stop or
sharp turn could send objects flying.
Get into the habit of securing loose
objects inside your front-row console, glove compartment, or any other
containers that will stay put. And throw away even lightweight trash that might
distract you while you drive.
2. Cluttered Footwells Interfere With
Pedals
Some items may find their way down into the
footwells of your vehicle, where they may go unnoticed or forgotten.
Unfortunately, they may call attention to themselves at the worst possible
moment.
A solid object, such as a soda bottle or
can, may roll beneath the brake pedal. If this happens, you may suddenly find
that your brake pedal doesn't respond when you press down on it. Your brakes
won't work unless you can quickly remove the obstruction without placing
yourself in even greater danger of an accident.
A thorough interior detailing job will
eliminate these kinds of hidden or neglected dangers from the floorboards and
footwells of your vehicle. But between detailing jobs, check beneath the seats
and underfoot every time you plan on driving your car to ensure that you won't
encounter an unwanted surprise later.
3. Dirty Glass Impairs Visibility
If you don't wash your car regularly, dirt
and other contaminants will gradually build on the exterior surfaces of your
windshields and side windows. This change may occur so gradually that you don't
even notice it until sunlight strikes the glass. You may suddenly find yourself
unable to clearly see surrounding cars or pedestrians.
Your windshield wipers may not be able to
eliminate this impairment on short notice, or you may not have enough wiper
fluid to remove the dirt effectively. To prevent this situation, get the
interior and exterior surfaces of your window glass professionally cleaned
periodically.
4. Salty Cars Develop Rusty Parts
To some drivers, a dirty car constitutes
nothing more than an eyesore, but the particulate matter stuck to the body and
undercarriage of a vehicle may include salt. This problem commonly afflicts
parts of the country that lay down salt to remove road ice, but it also plagues
cars driven near the Pacific Coast.
Constant exposure to salt may cause
corrosion that eats through the paint on your car's body panels, potentially
leading to rust that might spread to the frame. Salt accumulated on the
undercarriage and wheels can affect nuts, bolts, and brake calipers, placing
you at risk for dangerous mechanical failures.
Grand Prix Car Wash can provide valuable
assistance in your efforts to maintain a cleaner, safer car. Visit either of
our locationsfor
the services your vehicle needs.
