Ignored Vehicle Repairs that Could Get You Pulled Over

A trusted Greeley auto mechanic like Autotailor can work with you to avoid damage to your engine in the future, saving you thousands of dollars when you invest in regular maintenance. In addition to minor issues like needing an oil change (neglect of which could lead to more expensive damage down the road), you also have to pay attention to mechanical issues leading to traffic tickets and similar expenses.

For many mechanical issues, getting pulled over by law enforcement can be the least of your worries. But there are a number of small fixes and repairs your local auto mechanic can do to help you avoid getting expensive traffic tickets for entirely solvable issues. Before you get back on the road, make sure you’ve already paid to have these issues fixed, or you’ll have to pay a traffic ticket on top of the repair, which is never fun. Pay attention to these often-forgotten repairs.

A Few Vehicle Repairs Could Keep You from a Ticket

Many small auto repairs will get you pulled over and ticketed if you don’t take care of them quickly. Here are a few:

• Non-functioning turn signals, headlights, or taillights. One of the most obvious traffic infractions highway patrol and local police notice is non-functioning lights. If you can’t turn on your headlights an hour before dusk, you’re subject to a ticket. When you think about it, if law enforcement is there to keep people safe, they have to pull you over if your turn signals, headlights, or taillights don’t work for some reason. They’re usually relatively easy to fix, but they can cause serious danger if they don’t work when they’re supposed to.
• Cracked or modified windshield. Most drivers don’t do anything special to their windshield, but some tint it or modify it in some way. In some states, any modification of the windshield is prohibited, while tinting the glass beyond a specific level is illegal. If you have damage to your windshield, you could also be faced with a fine. Small chips and cracks will eventually elongate and spread over time, not only creating a dangerous situation but also giving law enforcement cause to ticket you.
• Loud exhaust system. A modified or damaged exhaust system can also trigger fines in most states, although the decibel level of your exhaust system might cause different punishments in different states. Still, it’s a good idea to get your exhaust system checked out if you think it’s excessively loud because it could lead to further damage, and it will get you pulled over quickly if your car is too loud for the road.
• Braking and steering issues. If you’re having trouble braking, you shouldn’t be on the road at all, but if you’re considering risking a short trip with worn brakes or a problem with your steering shaft, you could be pulled over (learn more here), in addition to taking an unsafe trip. If cops see you driving erratically because you’re trying to compensate for a leaning steering wheel, they’re sure to pull you over.
• ‘Unsafe conditions.’ Since they’re only concerned with driver safety, the cops will always pull you over if you have parts hanging off your car. For example, if your car runs great, but your bumper is hanging by a thread, the cops will pull you over because they fear your bumper could fall into the road and cause havoc for you and/or other drivers on the road. Anything that looks like it could fall off your car in transit is grounds for a fine. Make sure you have all your car’s parts secured before you go anywhere.

Stay Safe and Fine-Free

First, a word about license plates. Another common reason why many drivers get pulled over (other than speeding) is for illegible license plates. If your license plate can’t be read because of damage to it or an overly-large plate border, it’s grounds for a ticket. Make sure you don’t have anything covering up any part of your license plate.

Visit Autotailor to get your vehicle tuned up and ready for your next trip. The mechanics at Autotailor can help find any issues that might catch the eye of law enforcement on the road and make sure you don’t get any preventable tickets.