Car Maintenance Tips For New Drivers

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I passed my driving test back in December and since then I've been ferrying people around, driving on my own and learning more about how to actually look after a car which is something I haven't previously done. I recently published a post all about things they don't tell you when you've passed your driving test and included in that post are things like car maintenance which should definitely be included as part of learning to drive but for some reason it isn't.

Today's post is all about car maintenance tips and advice for new drivers, such as myself and what I've had to learn since passing my driving test as even though I've passed, there is still so much to learn not just to be a safe driver and to gain experience but to look after your car too which is quite an investment especially when considerings all of the other expenses that a car needs such as tax, insurance and more.

Car Cleaning

Let's start with the very basics, car cleaning is the easiest way to look after your car! I'll be honest and say that my cute old Renault Clio does get neglected when it comes to being fully cleaned but I do try and clean it every few months. I made the most boring adult purchase a few months ago of a car vacuum cleaner which plugs into the cigarette lighter and it also works as a tyre pressure gauge and inflator too which is a handy item to have in the car - I'd definitely recommend it.

Oil & Water

In the UK there are some things you need to know before your test in terms of where things are under the bonnet/hood of the car including oil, water, wiper fluid and engine coolant but during the test you might only have to tell them where those items are, not how to change them. So far, I've had to top up the windscreen wiper fluid and check the oil, both of which are so easy and are worth keeping an eye on. I've also had to change a headlight bulb and replace a windscreen wiper blade so far, they definitely didn't tell me how to do that while learning to drive but thankfully my dad did!

Tyres & Car Servicing

As part of the theory test in the UK you need to know a few things about the tyres such as tread depth and tyre pressure so you can put that knowledge to good use and check the tread depth and type pressure with a pressure gauge easily every so often. If you do need the tyres changing then it can be quite pricy but it's worth it to be safe on the road. You can easily Buy Tyres in Wakefield from Ossett Tyre House. Car servicing is also very important and something that might be overlooked by new drivers as it's yet another cost which can be somewhere between £70 to £130 and that's without the cost of potential faults that need to be fixed; however it's worth checking the price with your local trusted garage.

In the UK an MOT is an essential test to make sure your car is safe to drive and that it meets environmental and road safety standards. So you need one every year but as a new driver it's easy to forgot or not know when to go so check out the link which is an MOT checker so you'll never miss it - you can be fined up to £1000 if you are driving a car without a valid MOT.

Organising & Being Prepared

Last but not least, it's always best to be organised and prepared especially as a new driver with basics for yourself such as a first aid kit, blankets, snacks and an in car phone charger but also for your car such as a tyre inflator (like the one I mentioned previously), de-icer, spare oil and water, spare bulbs (which are compulsory to have in some countries) and a torch as well as your breakdown company number.

Do you drive? Do you have any car maintenance tips or any basic tips for new drivers? 

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