5 good habits every driver should get into

Written by: Simon Pavey, Last updated:13th February 2023

Brake light of a black car

Many of us spend so much time behind the wheel that it’s easy to get complacent and overlook basic maintenance, but it’s always wise to try and stick to good habits, particularly where the safety and reliability of your car are concerned.

Here are five of the best habits any driver can get into, all of which can help you keep your car in good health:

1.Paying attention to warning lights

It’s tempting to ignore those lights that occasionally illuminate on your dashboard, especially if there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with how your car is driving, but this can be a dangerous habit.

The lights are there to warn you of problems with essential components like the engine, brakes and electrical systems, so you should always get it seen to when a symbol lights up.

2.Checking the tyres

Healthy, properly maintained tyres are an essential part of a well-running vehicle, so you should make a point of regularly checking yours.

Make sure they’re inflated to the right pressure (based on manufacturer recommendations) and keep an eye on the tread depth to ensure it’s above the minimum legal level (1.6mm in the UK).

3.Monitoring engine fluids

If you want your engine to run well and your car to be reliable, you need to make sure all vital fluids are at the right level. Oil is particularly important to lubricate the engine, but you should also keep an eye on the coolant and other liquids.

Don’t forget to keep your washer fluid topped up as well, so you always have maximum windscreen visibility.

4.Keeping an eye on the battery

A healthy battery is essential to a well-running car, so it’s always a good idea to do some basic checks on the battery.

Look at the terminals for signs of corrosion or mineral build-up, and if you notice anything, use a brush designed specifically for batteries to clean it off.

5.Fixing broken lights

Broken lights are another car problem that’s easy to ignore, especially in the case of indicators, brake lights and reversing signals, but all lights should always be kept in good working order so you can stay safe on the road.

When you notice a broken light, don’t hesitate in getting it fixed.

MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services can give you affordable access to thousands of garages across the UK, making it easy to keep up with car maintenance and repairs.

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