A Guide To Basic Car Maintenance For New Drivers
In the UK, 1 in every 5 new drivers is involved in an accident during their first year of driving, as found in a study by Road Safety Charity Brake. Understanding how your car works and learning simple tasks such as when to check your tyre pressure could help avoid accidents, thereby bringing this statistic down. Also, having basic car maintenance skills before taking to the road could significantly cut the car service bill. Additionally, such knowledge will go a long way to keeping you legal as you drive.
Read your drivers manual and inspect your car frequently
All new vehicles come with a booklet containing information on all the features and operation of your car. Knowing the ins and outs of this guide can save you a lot of cash instead of spending on unnecessary trips to the mechanic. This manual also has proper maintenance tips and recommendations for the type of oil, correct tyre pressure and more. Besides, there are a few key inspection areas that you can frequently check to confirm that your vehicle is running in good shape. These include monitoring fluid levels and pressure. You should not forget to keep an eye on components such as wipers and headlights.
Ensuring routine maintenance
Other than the normal individual maintenance, you should follow the service recommendations from your car’s manufacturers. Most manufacturers require that you take in your car for a full service after every 30,000 miles. Among other areas, your mechanic should inspect the car filter, spark plugs, brakes, and belts. If you feel that your car is getting weary before the set time, take it as soon as you can. Even if your car has recently been serviced, the roads are full of surprises and you should, therefore, carry tools in preparation for emergencies. As such, always have a spanner, spare tyre, jack, jumper cables, first aid kit and an empty fuel container among other necessities.
Interacting with your instructor
The first question to ask your instructor is about the mechanism of the car. Knowing how a car really works will enable you to understand where to check if there is a problem. You should also ask them to teach you how to handle punctures as it is one of the most common problems that happen on the roads. While driving in the company of your coach, it is wise to keep asking how you are doing because it will help you take advantage of any room for improvement. A good instructor will always be friendly and be ready to answer your questions patiently and in full.
From when you first attend a driving school, there is a long way to go into becoming an expert motorist. Attaining basic maintenance knowledge helps to keep you safe, save money and reduce your car’s wear and tear. When choosing a school, conduct sufficient research and ensure that you settle for a certified and reputable one. Also, heed your instructor’s advice to the letter and ask questions both on and off the road.
