Thursday, June 18, 2026 by Dumisa

 

Some of the traffic accidents that occur on our roads are a direct result of vehicle mechanical failures.

This is a situation where the driver’s ability to control the vehicle is compromised because of a mechanical fault. People who own cars often cannot afford the costs associated with owning, maintaining and operating a vehicle. In simple terms, they cannot afford to be on the road.

Prior to the arrival of grey imports, many road users could afford second-hand vehicles that they inherited without knowing the history of the automobile.

Today, almost everyone can raise enough money to buy and own a car, but very few can cope with the ongoing demands of keeping it not only running but also roadworthy.

This applies to both private and commercial vehicles, whose defects are often exposed when an accident occurs. Faults such as worn-out tyres, brake failure, engine seizure during a trip and vehicles bursting into flames are direct indications of a lack of resources to address maintenance issues promptly.

Giving a vehicle prompt and proper service contributes significantly to its roadworthiness and performance. During servicing, there is a high likelihood of identifying worn-out parts that require repair or replacement. However, many motorists delay servicing their vehicles or fail to service them properly.

These are the vehicles that can stall in the flow of traffic or fail to climb steep inclines, resulting in freak accidents. Many of these vehicles come into the possession of their current owners without any service history, leading to mechanical problems soon after purchase. Drivers of such vehicles often park on the roadside to seek assistance, potentially creating hazards that may cause unnecessary and avoidable accidents. Upon closer examination, one often discovers that the owner is simply not in a position to raise the funds needed to properly service the vehicle.

For any vehicle in motion, it is important to have a good and evenly matched set of tyres. This helps the driver maintain proper grip on different road surfaces and in varying weather conditions, especially during rainy weather.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most neglected aspects of vehicle maintenance. In many cases, tyres are either worn smooth or purchased second-hand. Such tyres are likely to burst while the vehicle is travelling at high speed, causing significant damage. Some vehicles are fitted with mismatched tyres, where different brands and specifications are mixed, compromising the vehicle’s balance and stability.

Good brakes should complement good tyres. Many serious accidents involving large vehicles have been attributed to brake failure, which could have been identified and addressed through proper maintenance. Every vehicle must have an efficient braking system to ensure that the driver has full control over its speed and can stop safely, even in emergency situations.

Commercial vehicle owners have frequently been identified as offenders when it comes to servicing, maintaining and keeping their vehicles roadworthy.

Mechanical breakdown of vehicles is a situation where the driver’s ability to control the car is compromised because it would have realised a failure here or there. (Courtesy pics)