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28. Safe Driver - safe vehicle

 

A teenager’s first car is seldom a new one. The combination of an older model vehicle, maintained on a shoestring budget, plus lack of experience increases the crash risk for young drivers.

 

The first car I ever owned had a significant free-play in the steering mechanism. It was difficult to keep the vehicle on a straight path. After one near collision with a truck, on a narrow bridge, I finally took action and had the fault repaired. It took a mechanic only a short time to replace a worn rubber. The vehicle should never have been sold with this dangerous fault.

How to avoid breakdowns
Always drive with a gentle touch on all controls. Avoid sudden acceleration and late, harsh braking*, unless necessary.  It wastes petrol and wears tyres. Slipping the clutch on a hill, instead of applying the handbrake, ruins the clutch. If the handbrake does not work have it repaired. It's cheaper than a new clutch.
Don’t save on maintenance. An automobile kept in good order not only provides transport for many years, it pays dividends when selling or trading it later.
Replace worn tyres promptly! Bald tyres on a wet road cause havoc. Even a skilful driver has little control over a vehicle on a slippery road, if the tyres are bald. 

*The smoothest way of stopping a vehicle involves a technique called 'feathering the brakes':

Apply even pressure, as normal, on the brakes until about 1/2 meter before stopping. At this very last moment release the pressure almost totally and reapply with a feather touch. Your passenger will notice the expert touch of the driver behind the wheel (and footbrake!)   
For safety and convenience, join your state’s Automobile Club. 

They do not only provide a breakdown service, but employ experts to assist its members in motoring matters.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.