What Do You Need to Check on Your Senior’s Car?

By Andy Niska | May 29, 2019 |

Elder Care Liberty Lake, WA: Seniors and Cars

Checking out the important parts of your senior’s vehicle ensures that it’s ready to go when she is. These are just a few of the details she’ll need you to examine for her.

The Battery

The battery powers the car during startup, so it’s a vital piece of the puzzle. Extreme heat or cold make life more difficult for a car battery, so keep that in mind. Look for any sort of debris or buildup around the battery terminals and make sure the battery cables are securely attached. Having the battery tested now and again can help avoid problems.

Oil and Fluid Levels

The fluids and the oil are pretty much the lifeblood of the car. Check oil and other fluids at least once a month. If you’re not sure where to check specific fluids or even what to look for, have your mechanic show you or double check the owner’s manual for your senior’s car. The manual usually gives a description about what to watch for.

Belts

Belts in a car are usually made of rubber, which means that they can become brittle and crack or shred. Visually inspect these, at least as much as you’re able, when you’re checking the fluids. You can usually spot a frayed edge and get the car to a mechanic before a belt breaks and your senior ends up stranded.

Tires

Tire pressure is an important aspect of keeping a car running. Most newer cars have automatic tire monitoring, called the TPMS system. This system displays an indicator light on the dash of the car whenever at least one of the tires is underinflated. You should also visually inspect the tread of each tire every month or so, just to make sure they’re not worn too low.

Both Windshields

Your senior’s windshields allow her to have a clear view of what’s in front of and behind her. As long as they’re clean, at any rate. Make sure that pollen, dirt, and any other obstructions are cleared away and that your senior can easily see out all of her windows. While you’re at it, make sure her windshield wipers work properly, too. They can dry rot quickly, especially in hot climates.

Signals and Lights

Your senior’s lights and signal indicators help others to see her, help her communicate with other drivers, and help her to see as well. Verify that they’re working properly and make sure they’re also clean. Dirty lens covers don’t allow a lot of light through.

Whether your senior is driving her car herself or elder care providers drive it for her, it’s vital that she’s as safe as possible when she’s out and about. It’s so much easier to do the maintenance for her so that you know it’s been handled.

Excerpt: Keeping up with your senior’s car maintenance can help her to be safer behind the wheel.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Liberty Lake, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509)204-4088.

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.