You'd think that given how much money we spend on auto payments, upkeep, car service and repair, we'd have a stronger connection with our automobiles. However, knowing our cars—how they operate, how to care for them, and how much they cost to repair—can be difficult. Cars and repair shops might be frightening due to all of the components, fluids, standards to follow, and things that can go wrong, but they don't have to be.
You don't have to know everything about your automobile, but you should be familiar with the fundamentals. Here are five things you should know before you get behind the wheel to help you feel more confident as a car owner:
Know your limits
When you just began to ride a bike as a child, you undoubtedly started with the fundamentals. You understood your limits, you kept both hands on the handlebars, your butt firmly in the saddle, and you only rode in your area. You probably rode the bike with your parents and took longer rides after gaining experience and becoming more comfortable with your bike.
Driving a car can be similar. As a rookie driver, the goal is to be extra cautious and practise safe driving behaviours. You may see elderly friends and family doing something unsafe, such as speeding up rather than slowing down at a yellow signal. However, when a motorist with little expertise on the road engages in such conduct, it may be much more deadly.Be aware of signs of repair
Taking care of your automobile keeps it in good shape and ensures that it works correctly. Many failures occur as a result of drivers failing to do routine maintenance. To prevent becoming trapped in one of these scenarios, you have to consider becoming acquainted with a few things. Pumping gas, maintenance schedules, oil changing, car’s coolant and fluid levels and checking tyre pressure, among others are a few things you should keep note of.
Understanding your vehicle means you won't be the one who runs out of gas in the middle of nowhere because he drove about with an almost-empty tank or the one whose tyre blows out because she neglected to check the pressure.
Practice makes everyone perfect. Checking all these things enables you to learn when your car needs repairing.Know how to change a tyre
Nearly every single automobile has a specialised area for storing a spare tyre, which you could require in an emergency. However, in an effort to conserve money, a new trend has emerged in which a spare tyre is replaced with sealant and inflator kits to save weight and fuel. If your car does have one, it is usually kept in the trunk.
Though it may appear to be a difficult chore, everyone should learn how to change a tyre. It can be difficult, especially on larger vehicles, and may not be possible to do alone, but putting in the effort and doing a few practise runs by changing a spare tyre before an emergency occurs can save you time on the side of the road in a bad neighbourhood, with noisy kids, or in adverse weather.Safe driving habits
There are a few safe driving habits that you should inculcate right from the beginning. Firstly, obey all the traffic rules. This entails wearing a seatbelt at all times, coming to a complete stop at all red lights and stop signs, adhering to speed limits, knowing when and how to stop, and so on.
Secondly, avoid distractions when you’re driving for the first time. Friends can be a major distraction. Other things may include listening to music, putting on makeup and talking on the phone.
Lastly, keeping awake does not only include paying attention; it also entails avoiding any elements that might need slow reaction time. Alcohol impairs judgement, ability to drive, and attentiveness. Driving when fatigued has comparable consequences, so get adequate sleep. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or tiredness can be fatal.Stay aware of other drivers
You won't be able to respond in time if someone loses control in front of you or slams on the brakes if you're too near. Don't stress out if someone is tailgating you; simply move out of the way and let them pass. If they're making vulgar or threatening gestures, don't reply in like, and try to avoid eye contact. Some jurisdictions even recommend calling 911 to report these unsafe drivers (just be sure to pull over someplace safe to do so).Check your mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds to ensure they are in the ideal position to provide you with the finest vision possible. Be alert of your surroundings and check your rearview mirror every 5 to 7 seconds.
