Maintaining your car

It is essential that you look after your car and keep it in good condition. Not only is this paramount for your safety and that of other road users, but also it means that the longevity of your car is helped and in turn driving a well maintained car will be good for the environment too.

When they pass their test, many people forget to do anything with their car save fill it with petrol - and some people even forget to do that as they are simply used to having a car that is full of petrol all the time from their driving lessons!

You should check the tyre pressure on a regular basis, if the tyre is deflated slightly then this increases fuel consumption so costs money and is bad for the environment.

If there is unnecessary weight in the car then it is also a good idea to remove this to reduce fuel consumption - don't lug lots of heavy stuff about in the boot all the time just because you cannot get around to removing it!

Remember that things like air conditioning increase the usage of fuel by quite a hefty amount, so again only use this when it is necessary rather than simply turning it on because it is there.

Of course there are legal checks that are mandatory for cars of a certain age such as the MOT and these will check things like the engine being suitable and tuned correctly, which in turn ensures that the car isn't spluttering out nasty chemicals all the time. But overall be sure to check that you car is in good condition regularly and take good care of it - it is an investment just like any other.

Related Articles...

driving theory test
What signs with a percentage mean
When you are driving in some places, the roads will be up and down in terms of gradient, which refers to how the height of the road changes as you move along it, just like on a hill. When you...

The lane discipline of a motorway
Driving on a motorway is not something you will be able to do until you pass your test, and therefore it is important to understand as much about motorway driving as you can before your first...

Hazard Perception
There has been a significant increase in the focus of hazard perception and hazard awareness in the last few years since the introduction by the DSA of a separate hazard perception element to the...

How to cancel a theory test
When you book a theory test, you of course choose a date that you think you are going to be able to make. However with the best will in the world, there are a whole range of reasons why on...

When you must not stop when driving
The regulations relating to stopping article looks at when you must stop, now it is time to look at when you must not stop as a driver... There are times when you need to stop, but also many...

What to do at a ford
This article is about driving through a ford, not about driving a Ford car. When you see a warning sign for a ford you should naturally slow down. Then look at the ford and assess the depth...

Driving and Eyesight Requirements
If you require glasses in order to meet the requirements for driving legally, then you must ensure that you wear them whilst you drive (or corrective lenses). There are some conditions that...

Why is there a Hazard Perception Test
The statistics have long shown that the newer the driver, the more likely they are to be involved in accidents on the roads. This is probably because they are inexperienced as drivers, although...

Things to look for when checking tyre condition
The tyres are extremely important elements of the car, yet many people do not think much about them when checking that their vehicle is roadworthy. However, in addition to checking the amount...

Tips on driving with a heavy load
When you have passed your test and been driving for a while, you might find yourself driving with a heavy load. For instance if you are going on holiday then you might have lots of stuff that...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions