There's a reason I have a picture of a wheel next to this blog entry. What I really want you to look at is the brakes.

I've been thinking a lot about brakes lately. I think it's because I've had a couple of panic stop situations come up, and I've found myself relying on brakes to help save my skin. Luckily, accidents and injuries have been avoided, but it's got me thinking again about brakes.

When was the last time you had your brakes checked? Are your brakes making noise? Have you noticed that your stopping distances have increased lately? Is that ABS light on the dash staying illuminated all the time now?

With spring in full bloom, road conditions are going to be in flux. Those potholes that have been developing all winter are now mature, ready to swallow whole SUVs. That spring shower is going to release all of the oil that has been trapped in the road surface, and things are going to get slippery.

Do yourself, your family, your SUV and me a big favor -- do a spring checkup on your vehicle. Check your brakes, check your tires, check your windshield wipers -- heck, wash that filthy SUV, why don't you? The better condition your vehicle is in when you encounter that unexpected obstacle, the more likely your panic stop will be able to help you avoid an accident.

Photo © Jason Fogelson