Getting the most from your car requires a fairly broad range of skills. Not only do you need to be able to drive it effectively, but look after it, too. Once you pass your test, the learning doesn’t stop, either. In fact, there are new skills and habits that even veteran motorists can benefit from developing.
There are a few core tips that, if followed, will surely make your life on the road considerably happier. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Scheduling Maintenance
Over time, your car will suffer from wear and tear, and it’ll need to have various components replaced, and defects ironed out. This can be very expensive. But if you take a proactive approach to maintenance, aiming to get problems addressed before they have a chance to spiral, then you’ll end up spending a lot less in the long run.
The easiest way to do this is to get a schedule in writing. You should know when your next oil-change or MOT is due, and book it as early as possible.
Tyre Pressure
Depending on which polls you believe, around a fifth of UK motorists don’t know how to check their tyre pressures, never mind inflate their tyres. This is hugely consequential, as incorrectly inflated tyres can result in greater wear-and-tear, more frequent accidents, and poorer fuel economy. Your spare tyre should be ready to go and fit for purpose, and you might even keep a device handy for monitoring tyre pressure at home.
How to Read a Dipstick
A dipstick is a wonderfully simple means of checking the level of oil in your engine. Simply dip the stick and read it. Your oil levels give a good indication of the overall health of your car, and they should be monitored frequently. Once you know how to dip the stick, you can do it in less than a minute. As such, it’s no imposition to get it done every weekend.
How to Jump-start a car
If you’re stranded, knowing how to jump-start a car can make all the difference. You should know where the positive and negative clamps go on your car’s battery, and have a pair of cables ready in the boot just in case you’re ever caught out.
Controlling a Slide
Knowing how to control a slide is another skill that can make all the difference when it’s called upon. This goes especially if you’re driving in snowy conditions. If your car has ABS, then you should simply press down on the brake and stay there. If it doesn’t, then you should lift the brake to allow the wheels to rotate, and then re-apply them. This is basically what ABS does – but you’re doing it yourself.
Always do plenty of research about the vehicle you own and how to stay safe on the road and in the event of a breakdown. Get familiar with driving laws too to stay on top of any changes that could affect you as a driver.
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