What is the critical reason for vehicle maintenance in relation to road safety?

Vehicle maintenance plays a vital role in ensuring that vehicles operate safely, which directly impacts road safety. Regular maintenance checks help identify and rectify any mechanical issues before they lead to breakdowns or accidents. For example, properly functioning brakes, tires, and steering systems are crucial for maintaining control while driving. Neglecting maintenance can result in unforeseen mechanical failures that might occur while the vehicle is in motion, potentially causing collisions or other dangerous situations. Therefore, by prioritizing maintenance, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of encountering mechanical problems on the road, thereby enhancing overall safety for themselves and others.

While legal requirements, resale value, and fuel economy are important aspects of vehicle ownership, they do not directly correlate with road safety in the same critical way as ensuring the vehicle operates safely.