Just got your first car after a gruelling several months of tests and lessons, or are you a gifted driver that passed on the first try? Whatever your skill level or how long you’ve been interested in cars, there are some things that every first-time car owner forgets, and here’s a list of the five biggest things so that you can avoid running into these issues.
Maintenance is important
Don’t forget that you have an annual MOT test that you have to pass. You’ll have all of your mirrors, brakes and electrical equipment checked, so it’s a good idea to get these maintained on a regular basis by visiting a garage whenever your car develops a fault, and you should also take your car for a regular checkup if you use it very often. Most MOT faults are due to lighting and signalling, so replace these as soon as they develop a fault so that you aren’t pulled over during a journey.
Once you’ve passed your test, you still have a lot to learn
Think of it this way; once you’ve graduated from university, do you instantly know everything about the subject you studied? Of course not! Drivers that come fresh out of driving school have far too many optimising expectations about driving. You’re going to get honked at, you’re going to encounter scumbag drivers on the road, and you’re going to forget a lot of safety tips that you learned because no one else does it.
Every car is different
So you’ve bought a new car, that’s great! But the first thing you notice is that you’re unfamiliar with the car and it feels “off” compared to the one you learned in. This is fine. You need to get used to your car, the distance between everything, how the engine rumbles or whines depending on the situation. Everything about the car is going to be different, so prepare to re-learn how to drive your new car.
Always check blind spots
Mirrors are only going to get you so far on the road. There are always going to be people, cars or dreaded bikers that will sneak up on your blind spot and, before you know it, you’re going to be involved in an accident. Your blind spot is relatively large despite being called a “spot” so get used to looking all over the place to ensure that you’re safe.
Driving in bad weather is hell
It’s a good idea to get out there and drive in bad weather whenever possible because it’s an entirely different ballgame. If you live in an area that frequently sees rain or snow, then you’ve probably been taught a few lessons about road safety in harsh conditions. If you haven’t, then it’s a good idea to read up on how to handle slippery conditions because the last thing you want is to glide into a bystander while you drive or smash into a car because you haven’t felt what it’s like to drive in frosty conditions.
