New To Driving – Here’s What You Need To Keep An Eye On

The lessons are done, the test is passed – it’s time to get out there and drive! While applying what you’ve learned in your many (expensive) hours with your instructor is of course your initial priority, there’s also a world of car maintenance to discover. 

Whilst not the most exciting part of hitting the road, it’s essential to be all over all the aspects of car maintenance and driving safety, especially for new drivers. In this article, we’re going to break it all down, to make getting to grips with your first car just a little easier. 

Understanding your car’s MOT

Without an MOT, your car isn’t legally drivable, so let’s start there. An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection required by law, as set out by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Its aim is to ensure that your vehicle meets the minimum road safety standards – this is so that you and those around you remain safe while you’re out and about. It’s also to ensure it meets the minimum acceptable environmental standards. 

An MOT certified technician should carry out the inspection on a yearly basis, and failure to do so will render your insurance invalid, your tax ineligible for renewal, and could land you with a fine and points on your licence – it really isn’t worth skipping!

The first question you should ask yourself when you buy your first car should be ‘when is my MOT due’ – set yourself a reminder on your phone or calendar if you’re likely to forget. 

Regular maintenance checks

Catching problems with your car before they become dangerous, illegal, and/or expensive hinges on regular maintenance checks that you, as the driver, regularly perform. These include: 

Tyre health

Tyres naturally wear over time, and the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6mm. It’s your responsibility to ensure that they do not dip below this level, as is keeping your tyres at the correct pressure level. 

Engine oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, lubricating essential moving components below the bonnet, without which you wouldn’t be getting very far. Oil depletes over time, so you need to make sure that the oil reserve is topped up, and you can do this using the handy ‘dipstick’ provided to ensure it’s as it should be. Engine oil changes are generally done as part of your vehicle’s service, so keep up with these, too!

Brakes

Hopefully the gravity of your brake’s importance isn’t all too hard to appreciate, so signs of wear and tear should be taken very seriously indeed – as should regular brake inspections. Unusual noises when you brake, the car veering to one side, and brake pedal vibration are among the warning signs that your brakes exhibit when there’s something wrong; familiarise yourself with them, and head to a repair centre if you notice them. 

Lights and indicators

Fancy being pulled over by the Police for a light out? Thought not; it’s illegal for your lights, such as brake lights and headlights, to not be functioning, and for good reason: you need to be seen by other road users and pedestrians. Rope in a friend to regularly check that all lights work when you operate them from within the car, replacing bulbs if necessary. 

Safety essentials

Seatbelts and airbags

Seatbelts can literally save your life; it’s never worth shunning them in favour of looking ‘cool’. Hand in hand with seatbelts goes airbags – learn where they are within your car and ensure you don’t obstruct them – if they go off, you’ll know about it!

Mirrors

Depending on your height and the vehicle you’ve opted for, you’ll likely need to adjust your mirrors. Taking the time to get them just right is well worth it for a clear vision of the road.

Emergency kit

It never hurts to keep some emergency kit in your car, to help you out if something unexpected goes wrong. Items such as a first aid kit, reflective triangles, a spare tyre, tools, and warm clothing can all help if you break down, or suffer a minor injury. 

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover is a godsend if something goes wrong – by paying a premium each month (or annually), you’ll be able to phone up a company who can come and rescue you in your hour of need, either fixing the problem at the roadside, or helping you get your vehicle to a repair centre. Without it, you’re at the mercy of local recovery services, which may not be convenient, or particularly friendly to your bank account. 

Legal and insurance considerations

Don’t forget about the paperwork required with keeping your driving legal and above board. This includes 

• Keeping your driving licence up to date, renewing when necessary, and ensuring your current address is updated. 
• Keeping your car appropriately insured for its usage and milage 
• Taxing your car every year

To conclude

Becoming a motorist is something of a wild ride, but staying informed and proactive about car maintenance and safety is key to keeping you safe, and on the right side of the law.