How 2 run your motor
Kev Kennedy's tips to keep you on the road
5 Pointers for Maintenance
1. Read your manual to make sure you know how check the oil, ‘water’ (actually engine coolant), screen-wash and so on. Ideally check them once a month, even if it seems like everything’s okay.
2. Oil, air filters and the like need to be changed yearly at a minimum - on some cars every six months is best. Ask your mechanic what’s best.
3. Carry a stock of bulbs in your glove compartment - it’s illegal to drive with faulty headlights, even in daytime.
4. Never allow a mate to work on your car unless you are absolutely sure they know what they’re doing.
5. TIP: Ask around and find a trustworthy mechanic. If you’re new to the area, ask your work colleagues, university lecturers or anyone else who crosses your path. Spending the time to find a trustworthy mechanic is probably the most important investment you’ll ever make in your car.
5 Things You Have to Act on ASAP
1. Blue smoke from the exhaust (you’re burning oil)
2. Persistent knocking sounds (engine problems or wheel bearings)
3. Squealing sounds when you start up (time to replace the fan belt!)
4. Worn tyres (they’re illegal)
5. Annoying whine (often a back seat driver - remove from vehicle immediately)
5 Pointers for Running a Legal Motor
1. Make sure your car has an up-to-date MOT. When you book your car in for its MOT, make sure you give them your previous certificate. The garage can then MOT your car through to one year on from the expiry date on the certificate and you don’t ‘lose’ any days.
2. It’s a legal requirement to have insurance - see here for more details
3. It’s also a requirement for any vehicle to be taxed. If your car isn’t taxed it can be seized by the authorities and crushed.
4. TIP: When you buy your car, only buy six months car tax - that way you separate out your annual insurance renewal and yearly MOT costs from having to pay your car tax.
5. Check your tyres regularly - make sure you have tread (the grooves) across the entire width of the tyre. Bald spots can lead to points on your license if you’re stopped by the police.
5 Pointers in case You Have an Accident
1. Don’t panic. It’s horrible, but try to stay calm.
2. Do not admit responsibility, whatever the other driver says to you. Your insurance company are the only people who legally can decide who was at fault. (It will say this in your insurance policy somewhere - read your handbook).
3. If anyone has been injured in the accident (including you), you need to call the police.
4. Contact your insurance company as quickly as you can, preferably at the accident site. Remember that roadside assistance organisations, e.g. AA or RAC, can be called to help you continue your onward journey, or tow your vehicle.
5. If livestock or a domestic animal is involved, you should probably contact the police. In the case of wild animals it can also be worth contacting the police, who will know who to send to investigate. You may want to get an accident number from them, confirming the nature of the accident, as proof for your insurance company.
Thinking of buying a car? Then you'd better take a look at Kev Kennedy's tips: How 2 buy a motor.
Written by Kev Kennedy.
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