So, you’ve passed your driving test? You can now enjoy an upgrade from playing racing games, and you can enjoy the real thing. If you’re a first-time driver, you’ve got a lot to learn. You may well have just passed your driving exam and got your driving permit, but here’s where the learning really starts. There is a lot of responsibility associated with owning, driving, and maintaining a car.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can do all three of these things in a way that keeps you and other drivers safe, and that lets you get the most out of your new-found freedom on the road.
Don’t Buy The First Car You See
When you go out to buy your first car, you’re going to be excited. Every possibility that you see could become a contender and it might be easy to get carried away. Slow down. Particularly if you’re buying a used car. Any faults or maintenance issues on the car will need to be addressed, and you could be buying a money pit. Take the time to look over each vehicle fully. Take someone with you that has experience maintaining vehicles, and look for telltale signs of major problems.
The types of problems you should look for are areas of the paintwork that look raised. This could be a sign that the vehicle has had a crash and repair, or that the bodywork is rusted under the paintwork. You should look at how the wheels sit on the ground. Try the engine, and take the car for a drive. If you cannot test drive it; don’t buy it.
Find A Reliable Garage In Your Area
Once you have bought your car, you should look at finding one of the best auto repair shops in your area. Having a great garage nearby that you know well will mean that you know where to turn when you have a problem with your vehicle. That way, there’ll be no fishing around for recommendations when you need a garage the most.
Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
Book your car in with the garage every few months and have it serviced and checked out. Having your oil changed, and your brake pads and tire treads checked over will ensure that your vehicle is not only safe on the road but that it is working to the best of its ability.
Think About Getting Telematics Fitted
As a first time driver, your insurance premium is likely to be very high. Of course, this will lower over time, assuming you don’t make any claims. However, in the meantime, you should look into insurers that use telematics devices. Telematics devices, or black boxes, are pieces of hardware that feedback data about your driving habits to your insurer. The type of information they record include where and when you are driving, and at what speed. Often, in exchange for this information, you will be able to enjoy lower insurance premiums.
