Before you set off on busy roads and in traffic, you should always master the basic techniques of starting, moving off and stopping. You must ensure that you have full control of your car at all times and to have this you need to have:
a. A good working knowledge of all the controls in your vehicle
b. Be able to co-ordinate both hand and feet controls together when needed
c. A good understanding of the highway code
d. A good level of respect for the needs of the other road users
e. A good basic knowledge to enable you to check your vehicle to make sure that everything is in the correct working order and the car is safe before setting off.
Starting to drive isn't just a matter of starting the engine and driving off. You should first of all check that your car is safe and ready for road use. There are a few everyday checks that you should get into a habit of checking before setting off:
1. Ensure that the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean.
2. All the lights, including the indicators are working and if not replacing the dead bulbs (it is always a good idea to carry spare bulbs and fuses).
3. Always check that the brakes are working, never drive with fault brakes.
There are also some good periodic checks that you should get used to making; these checks are for both safety and good vehicle maintenance. Check and top up if necessary:
a. Engine oil
b. Water level in the radiator or the expansion tank
c. Brake fluid level
d. Battery; top up with distilled water if necessary (some batteries are maintenance free and don't need topping up)
e. Windscreen and rear window washer bottles
You should check your tyres and make sure that they are legal; they must have the correct amount of tread depth and should be free from dangerous cuts and defects, they should always be at the correct pressure, not only for safety but for fuel economy also.
How often you make these checks will depend on how much and often you drive. Consult your vehicles owner's manual. If you drive more often, you may need to check these items every day.
Always have your vehicle serviced regularly by a professional garage, your owner's manual should advise on when is best for your vehicle.
Once you have checked the items above, you check the following for the safety of you and your passengers, and also for other road users.
Every time you get into your vehicle, check that:
1. All doors are properly closed
2. Your driving seat is in the best position for you to see clearly in all directions, and reach all the controls comfortably
3. The head restraint is in the correct position
4. You and all your passengers have their seat belts on
5. Check the parking brake again and that the gear lever is in neutral (if you are in an automatic it should be in the position P or N)
6. Always check that you have enough fuel to get where you need to be, or that you can make it to a fuel station. It may sound silly, but before you set off make sure you know the controls and how they work, and also make sure that you know the size of your vehicle (width, height and weight) and always ensure you know if your vehicle is front, rear, or four-wheel drive and if you have ABS or not. This will ensure that you use the correct braking distance and handling for your car.
From Rob Morgan at Budgen Motors
Car Rental Shrewsbury
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_David_Morgan
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