Four Simple Car Issues That Can Earn You A Costly Traffic Ticket

There are a number of easy-to-fix car problems that can earn you a traffic ticket which costs far more than simply fixing the issue. No matter how minor the issue may seem, take care of it as soon as possible or you may end up paying for expensive traffic tickets on top of the repairs.

Cracked Windshields

You can get a ticket for a cracked windshield, and the ticket often costs far more than simply having your windshield repaired or replaced. Even if it's only a minor crack that doesn't impair your vision, a police officer can write you a ticket if they determine that the crack poses a safety hazard.

Generally, windshield cracks get worse over time. Temperature fluctuations cause the glass to expand and contract, which tends to make the crack spread. The longer you drive with a cracked windshield, the greater your risk is for getting pulled over and cited.

Furthermore, cracks compromise the structural integrity of your windshield. Even minor cracks make your windshield more likely to shatter if it is struck by road debris, which can cause you to have a car accident. Have your cracked windshield repaired or replaced immediately, through a place like Martin Glass Company, to avoid costly traffic tickets and help keep yourself safe on the road.

Broken License Plate Lights

Modern cars have tiny light bulbs that illuminate the front and rear license plates. They're important because they allow police and other motorists to read license plate numbers at night. If someone is driving dangerously and flees the scene, license plate lights allow police officers and traffic cameras to obtain the offender's license plate number so that they don't get away with endangering other drivers. It may seem trivial, but you can be pulled over and ticketed for a broken license plate light even if you're following all the rules of the road.

A lot of modern cars have two lights on both the front and rear license plates. Even if only one light burns out and the license plate is still visible, you can still get ticketed if the police officer wants to be a stickler. Luckily, checking your license plate lights is as easy as turning on your headlights and walking around the front and rear of your vehicle. On most cars, the bulbs are relatively easy to replace and inexpensive — certainly far less expensive than a traffic ticket.

You can also be ticketed when other safety lights burn out on your car. While you're checking your license plate lights, take a minute to check out your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they're all in working order.

Damaged Mufflers and Exhaust Leaks

Most municipalities have noise ordinances for automobiles. If your exhaust system is louder than the maximum decibel level stated in the ordinance, you can be ticketed for excessive noise.

A damaged muffler makes your car sound far louder. Additionally, damage to the exhaust piping and leaky gaskets will also make your exhaust system louder. Not only will a damaged exhaust system make your car sound obnoxious, it can also get you ticketed if its above the decibel limit for the municipality in which you're driving. Quiet your car down and avoid costly tickets by repairing or replacing your damaged exhaust system as soon as the issue arises. 

Worn-Out Tires

Your tires constantly wear themselves down due to road friction. If your tire treads are worn down past a point that your state has deemed unsafe, you can be pulled over and ticketed.

Most tires have wear indicators between the treads that make it easy to determine when they need to be replaced. Look between the treads and find one of the wear indicators. If the indicator is flush with the treads, it's time to replace your tires. Alternatively, you can check your tire treads with a quarter. Simply press an upside-down quarter in between your tire treads. If the treads fail to reach the top of George Washington's head, you should replace your tires as soon as possible.

Fixing worn-out components on your car will not only help keep you and your passengers safe, it will also help prevent you from receiving expensive citations.