**Preventive vehicle maintenance** is essential to **prevent accidents due to mechanical failure**. Here is why:

- **Inspection of wheels and tires**: It is important to check that the tires are properly inflated and that the tread is not worn out. A tire in poor condition can burst or lose grip, which could cause an accident. Additionally, you should always carry a spare tire in good condition.

- **General vehicle inspections**: Performing regular inspections helps to detect and solve problems before they become serious failures. This includes checking the ignition, cooling, lubrication systems, and tire inflation. A failure in any of these systems could lead to an accident.


- **Defensive driving**: This driving style involves being prepared for the unexpected and adapting to travel conditions. A vehicle in good condition is essential to react appropriately to unforeseen situations and avoid accidents.

In summary, preventive maintenance is key to ensuring that the vehicle operates correctly and to minimizing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures.