There’s freedom and pride in joining the roads as a new driver, but of course, no matter how new or experienced we are, the kind of driver we are is always defined by our previous or current trip on the roads. Even someone with years of experience can make stupid decisions regarding how they drive, and someone totally new can be the most impeccable and safe driver on the road should they aim to be.
That said, wisdom and experience does bring with it insight, and that can help us remain safer on the roads and maintain our vehicles properly. It’s a shame then, that some of these insights are rarely told to you as a new driver. But of course, lessons that could make you safer on the roads or your vehicle easier to maintain shouldn’t have to come to you through ‘merit and experience’ alone, it’s a good idea to have as much knowledge to wield now as you can, rather than some arbitrary point in the future. With that in mind, please consider the following advice:
Removing Ice
Removing ice from your vehicle is a tough ask, but it must be done each morning during the winter period. It’s important to use a proper scraper to help brush all the ice off your windscreen, as only leaving a strip clear for you to see through leaves unnecessary obstruction which you can be fined and penalized for. Make sure to opt for thorough scrapes from top to bottom, and never use hot water to melt said ice as this can lead to cracks in your screen due to the extreme shift in temperatures.
Maintenance Needs
It’s important to make sure you’re aware of each light within your vehicle’s dashboard and what they mean. No one will train you as to the individual specific maintenance necessities and warnings of your particular vehicle, so make sure to read the owner’s manual from back to front to become familiar. It can also be helpful to take pictures of the light guide on your smartphone so you have a quick reference when you need it. Also, learning to unhook your spare tyre from the trunk as well as accessing the hood pole is key. It’s also important to know what maintenance efforts need your attention, such as this guide detailing ‘How often should a wheel alignment be done?’ – This way, you can ensure all repair provisions are accounted for.
Checking Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure is essential to consider ahead of time, because it can quite literally define your safety on the roads. Learning to check it with a squeeze, as well as a pressure gauge tool can be a key skill to learn when preparing your vehicle for long journeys, or refilling the air in your tyes at a gas/petrol station. The more you care for your tyres, the less you have to repair them.
With this advice, you’ll be on the right track as a new driver in all potential capacities.
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