Even if you are not all that familiar with what is going on under the hood of your car, you’ve probably heard of the transmission before. This vital piece of machinery acts as a gearbox that is mounted onto the engine itself. The transmission then converts combustion power created in the engine into physical momentum.

The average transmission has either five or six sets of gears. When it works correctly, the transmission lets drivers control how much power the car is receiving without making any changes to how fast the engine is running. A well-functioning transmission will ensure that your car engine is not spinning either too slow or too fast.

Driving in traffic is a daily routine for city dwellers. Without adequate preparation, it can easily become a source of frustration. When you find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, paying careful attention to your surroundings can help you avoid feeling agitated.

Properly holding your car’s steering wheel can minimize your risk of getting into an accident. It can also minimize the risk of significant finger, hand, or arm injuries in the event that you do get into an accident. Let’s take a closer look at how to correctly use this critical vehicle component and how it can reduce your risk of an accident or a serious injury.

Most people know the common causes of car accidents. They’re usually caused by distracted driving, failing to check a blind spot, driving under the influence, poor weather, speeding, and in some cases, worn-out components, like the brake lines or a suddenly decompressed tire. They don’t typically think of a flying tire as the cause of an accident. Unfortunately, it happens, and it’s called wheel runoff.

Buying a new (or new-to-you) car is a huge financial investment. Before you commit to taking out an auto loan or forking over thousands of dollars, you want to be sure that a vehicle is the right fit for you.

Maybe you already did your research before you ever got to the dealership. While research tells you important information about things like fuel economy and safety ratings, the only way you can get a feel for how a car will drive is by actually getting behind the wheel.

When you invest in a vehicle, you expect it to stay in good working condition for the foreseeable future. You do everything within your ability to make sure that it does, including taking it in for regular oil changes, maintaining proper air pressure in the tires, and keeping up with recommended maintenance.

These proactive measures can preserve the life of your vehicle while also helping minimize your risk of a car accident. A safe, well-running vehicle is less likely to malfunction, which can be a factor in crashes.