Getting to know the car you’re driving is a must if you’re going to get the best from it in the long-term. Let’s take a look at ten different pieces of information that might make life more convenient – while improving the driving experience at the same time!
The make and model
It might sound obvious, but you should know the exact model you’re driving – right down to the smallest number. This will make it much easier to shop for consumables, and to describe problems.
The year
Knowing the year your car is made will also come in handy for a range of ways.
The registration
Having to check your registration every time you go to input it can be very annoying, especially if your car isn’t in sight. Commit the reg to memory – they’re arranged in such a way that they’re easy to memorise.
The dashboard lights
The lights on the dashboard are there to let you know about various problems under the hood. Learn to recognise and react to them.
The feel of the car
Pay attention to the way that the car handles and brakes. Once you’re familiar with the feel of the car, you’ll be able to spot problems early, and more affordably.
How to open the hood
There are dozens of occasions which might prompt you to open the hood of your vehicle. You should know exactly how to do so.
How to change a tyre
Changing the tyre on your car is something you might need to do in an emergency. Learn how to do it, and make sure that there’s a spare onboard. You don’t want to make this discovery shortly after you’ve suffered a puncture. You can shop online for spares: buy Bridgestone tyres from reputable vendors.
How to inflate the tyres
You should know exactly how much air to put in your tyres. This information can be found in your car’s handbook. Write it down somewhere where it’s easily visible, or commit it to memory. The front cover of your manual, which you can keep in your glove compartment, is usually a good bet. Bear in mind that you should put more air in your tyres when the car is heavily laden, either with cargo or passengers.
How to add coolant
Topping up your coolant is a critical job, especially during winter. You should know which resevoir to fill, and by how much.
How to add oil
Similarly, your car can’t operate without the right engine oil. It’s worth learning about what the various kinds of oil do, and which is appropriate for your car at what time of year. The viscosity of the oil will change with the temperature, so a little bit of education might make life much easier.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
