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5 Things All New Drivers Need to Know

Many new drivers are often excited to pass their test and buy their first vehicle. Yet, there are some basic things they might forget to buy or do, which can lead to significant problems down the road. For this reason, we’re providing informative advice on the five things all new drivers need to know.

Learn How to Change a Tyre

Car tyres are prone to punctures and blowouts over time, which can often be due to an over or under-inflated tyre. It’s therefore essential to understand how to change a tyre should the worst happen and you’re too far from a gas station or unable to contact towing company.

All you need to do is set your parking brake before jacking the car. Always keep a lug wrench in the vehicle so you can easily remove a tyre’s nuts. Once the nuts have been removed, remove the tyre from the vehicle and place the spare tyre on the axle, before reattaching the tyre with the lug nuts. Ensure all the nuts are tight before you attempt to drive a car.

Check the Tyre Pressure

As mentioned, a tyre’s pressure can result in a blowout or puncture. Prevent this from happening by learning how to check a tyre’s air pressure. We recommend investing in a tyre pressure gauge, which is available from most auto stores. Always check the pressure once the tyres are cool, which should be an hour after driving.

Invest in Breakdown Cover

Don’t leave yourself stranded at the roadside if your vehicle breaks down, which could lead to you paying for an expensive towing service. Instead, invest in an affordable breakdown cover policy, which will provide peace of mind that you’ll receive immediate roadside assistance. Compare the best deals on the market at Breakdowncover.com. Once you have agreed to a breakdown policy, program the company’s phone number into your phone, and keep a copy of the information in your glove box.

Regularly Check Your Oil, Water and Other Fluids

A vehicle depends on so much more than fuel to run efficiently. You must also regularly check a car for various fluids, such as oil, water, transmission fluid and antifreeze. It’s vital to understand how to measure each fluid and to identify if it’s running low. If it is running low, you must also learn how to successfully refill it.

We therefore recommend reviewing the manufacturer’s handbook for assistance, which will detail the type of oil and fluids your car will take. We also recommend carrying extra water in your car’s boot during hotter temperatures, as it might run out of the liquid at a faster rate.

Know What to Do in the Event of an Accident

Even the best drivers can experience an accident on the road. If you’re unfortunately involved in a minor or serious collision, it’s recommended to pull safely out of traffic, if possible. You should then telephone the police to report an accident. The next step should be to exchange insurance information with any other drivers, but do not discuss who was at fault. If possible, use a smartphone camera to take photographs of the scene, and write down any notes about the collision that you can recall.

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