A car is a complex machine, and caring for it effectively requires a little bit of study and research. This needn’t imply a great deal of effort, however – just a few minutes spent committing a few critical details to memory can make an enormous difference.
Knowing what car you’re driving
You should know not only the make and model of your vehicle, but the year it was manufactured. Learning the registration number by heart can be tricky – but if you recite it every morning for a week, you can be fairly sure you’ll never forget it.
It’s also worth learning your insurance details. You never know when you’ll be called on to recall them. You might write key details down and stow them in the glove compartment. You’ll want to know the extent and type of your coverage. Contract hire gap insurance provides a very different level of cover in certain situations, for example.
How to check tyre pressure
If you can’t inflate your tyres, then you’ll ultimately suffer from poor fuel economy, and an inferior driving experience. You can either inflate your tyres at your local petrol station, or do it at home. Learn what your tyre pressure should be, and inflate often enough that you don’t forget. Bear in mind that different pressures are appropriate, depending on how laden the vehicle is.
Dashboard lights
A whole range of lights might pop up on your dashboard. The good news is that these lights are often self-explanatory, and universal; once you’ve learned them in one vehicle, you’ll know what’s going to happen in another. If the check engine light comes on, it’s time to visit a mechanic and get the engine checked.
Fuelling the car
You won’t be able to drive a car for very long if you don’t know how to fill it up. It’s worth figuring this out before you arrive at the filling station. Make sure you know where the petrol cap release is, if you have one inside the car. You should also know how to change coolant, oil and wiper fluid.
If you’re driving a hybrid or battery-electric vehicle, you’ll also need to know how you’re going to charge it. It’s also worth researching the charging options near you. If you’re planning on visiting a different part of the country, you’ll also need to know where the charging stations are – assuming that those charging stations aren’t out of action.
Getting a feel for the car
Often, the early warning signs of a problem with the vehicle can be subtle. For this reason, it’s critical that you understand what the car is supposed to feel like when everything is working properly. Pay attention to the steering and the brakes. The more experience you have in the vehicle, the more attuned you’ll become to its behaviour!
