With around 189,000 cars breaking down each day in the United States, faulty components not only lead to costly repairs but also contribute to serious car accidents.
Vehicle breakdowns cost the U.S. economy $44 billion per year and result in approximately 30 million lost workdays annually. Avoiding defective parts is crucial to keeping drivers safe and preventing avoidable accidents.
According to Scott Mansfield, an experienced car accident attorney in Baton Rouge, LA, auto accidents aren't always caused by driver error. Defective car parts can play a significant role in roadway safety, and this holds true whether you're dealing with a car accident in Baton Rouge or anywhere else in the country. Below are seven of the most commonly defective car parts that can contribute to serious accidents:
1. Power Steering System
One of the most dangerous defective parts is a failed power steering system. Power steering makes turning the wheels much easier, using hydraulic pressure to reduce the effort needed. When this system fails, it becomes extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that power steering failures lead to nearly 2,000 accidents every year. Catching power steering problems early allows the system to be repaired before total failure occurs.
2. Oxygen Sensors
The oxygen sensors in a car monitor the air and fuel mixture and send that data to the engine computer. Defective oxygen sensors provide inaccurate data, which leads to poor engine performance, lowered fuel economy, and increased emissions. Oxygen sensors start becoming less effective after 60,000 to 100,000 miles, so replacing them regularly is key. Symptoms of a failed oxygen sensor include poor acceleration, reduced gas mileage, engine light coming on, and failed emissions tests.
3. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter works to reduce the toxicity of emissions. But they can become clogged or damaged over time due to factors like oil contamination or engine misfires. A defective catalytic converter negatively impacts performance and fuel economy and leads to failed emissions inspections. Warning signs include loud exhaust noises, smells of gas fumes from the exhaust, poor acceleration, and the check engine light coming on.
4. Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor calculates the volume of air entering the engine, which the computer uses to balance the air-fuel ratio. When it fails, the engine may not get the right fuel mix, causing performance issues like lack of power, stalling, or even engine damage over time. A defective mass airflow sensor may be indicated by a check engine light, high or inconsistent idle speeds, engine misfires, rich fuel smell from the exhaust, or poor acceleration.
5. Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow the wheels to smoothly spin by reducing friction between the wheel hub and axle. If they wear out, it can lead to wobbly wheels, grinding noises when turning, and excessive vibration. Worn out wheel bearings that finally fail can even cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving. Any odd noises, vibrations, or wobbles coming from the wheels should be inspected immediately.
6. Brakes
As the most important safety system, properly working brakes are critical. But brake pads, rotors, calipers and lines wear out over time. Warning signs of failing brakes include squealing, grinding or pulsating sensations when braking, the brake pedal feeling spongy or needing extra effort to operate, and the vehicle pulling to one side when braking.
7. Batteries
A dead battery leaves you stranded, but it also slowly loses charge as they age. The average battery lasts 3-5 years, but heat and other factors can shorten life span. Warning signs before total failure include difficulty starting, dim headlights, and electrical issues. Having batteries tested annually and replaced as needed prevents getting left on the side of the road with a dead battery.
With an estimated 566 people killed and 14,371 injured each year between 2016 and 2018 in collisions involving a disabled vehicle, defective car parts are a significant public safety concern. By watching for the most common defective parts and having them promptly repaired or replaced, drivers can help make sure their vehicles stay safe and roadworthy. Investing in regular maintenance pays off by reducing breakdowns and costly repairs down the road.
