What maintenance check can help avoid breakdowns and improve fuel efficiency?

Ensuring tire inflation is correct plays a crucial role in preventing breakdowns and enhancing fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires provide better traction and handling, which can lead to a smoother driving experience and reduce the likelihood of tire-related incidents, such as blowouts. When tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, the rolling resistance decreases, enabling the engine to operate more efficiently. This leads to improved fuel economy, as the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle.

In contrast, while ensuring all lights work is important for safety, it does not directly contribute to operational efficiency or fuel consumption. Checking the radio’s functionality is primarily a comfort feature and does not impact the vehicle's mechanical reliability. Keeping the vehicle clean, although beneficial for aesthetic reasons, has little effect on performance or breakdown prevention. Proper tire inflation is essential for both safety and efficiency, making it the most significant maintenance check in this context.