Top five things you need to “Do” and “Don’t do” as a car owner

Your safety and that of your co-passengers is what you must consider before embarking on any trip, be it long or short. While we design our cars which ensure the occupants are protected at all times, one must also keep in mind important safety tips that will keep you and your loved secure while on drive. Featured below are some of them.

Do’s

• Check tyre pressure every week

  Variations in temperature and ambient moisture levels significantly affect the tyre pressure. If not at optimal levels, this pressure can make you prone to accidents due to tyre bursts. Hence, it is recommended to check the amount of air in your car tyres every week, even if they are tubeless ones.

• Check the wiper blades

  Comprehensive visibility is must while driving, no matter the season. To ensure the same, auto manufacturers equip cars with wipers. Used on a daily basis in the rainy season to dispel accumulated water on the windshield, wiper blades need to be clean and soft to work effectively. Check them periodically during the monsoons to see if they are supple and clean. If not, have them replaced immediately. This exercise shouldn’t be restricted to only the rains though. Dust particles that settle on the wiper blades are responsible for slow and continuous etching of the windshield, which can be damaging in the long run. Hence, checking the blades to see if they are clean and soft at all times is essential as it greatly improves your visibility.

• Preferably use dipper at night while driving in the city

  It is advised to use dipper lights while driving at night in the city. The reason for doing so is simple – the pedestrians and the occupants of the cars who are on the opposite side to you are temporarily blinded when your vehicle’s upper beam is on. Hence, it is only recommended to use the higher beam in situations where distant visibility is a concern.

• Learn how to change the spare wheel

  All cars come with a spare wheel for use in emergencies. Learn how to change them on your own. Doing so will help you greatly whenever you suffer a flat tyre or experience other wheel-based issues, even if a mechanic isn’t readily available. However, utmost care must be taken while replacing tyres to avoid injuries. Seek advice from a professional, if you don’t know the basics of replacing the wheels.

• Do Wear Seat Belts

  It has been proven that the likelihood of fatal injuries is greatly reduced when the occupants of a vehicle are wearing seat belts while driving. They prevent your body from hitting the steering wheel, the windshield or the back of the front seats during an accident. Hence, it is advised to wear seat belts at all times while on a drive.

Don’t do’s

• Don’t miss your servicing schedule

  Servicing your car periodically helps keep it in optimum condition, which in turn reduces the chances of accidents due to mechanical or electrical failure. It also prolongs the life of your vehicle significantly. So, if it’s time to service your car, don’t give it a miss.

• Don’t over-speed

  No matter how much of a cliché it may sound, this point is worth mentioning a zillion times. The vehicles that are designed today are significantly agile than older ones. So, it can naturally be tempting to zoom ahead. However, always keep in mind the saying – ‘with more power comes greater responsibility.’ The chances of losing control of your vehicle increase exponentially with higher speed. Hence, it is important to stay under the speed-limit at all times.

• Don’t overload your car

  Do not overload your car under any circumstances. Not only will it put undue pressure on the chassis and the engine of your vehicle but also increase the chances of the car overturning. So don’t overload your vehicle if you want to avoid accidents, both large and small.

• Don’t wash your vehicle excessively

  Although you need to wash your car frequently to keep it look new, doing so excessively can ruin its looks and performance. Water is responsible for rusting vehicle parts that are made of iron. It can also rob the car paint of its sheen. So, don’t unnecessarily go for water wash. Opt for a dry wipe down instead. It will also help save water.

• Don’t forget to keep an eye on the engine temperature

  Every car comes with an engine temperature gauge, on which, you must keep an eye while driving. It is provided to alert you in case your vehicle’s engine is overheating. Ignoring it in such situations will not only cause serious damage to your car and put a strain on your wallet but also cut short its life significantly and reduce its resale value.

Have we missed out on any important dos and don’ts? Do let us know by posting your comments below.

-Piyush Thakur