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Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers simple and practical maintenance tips to ensure young drivers can handle basic car issues.
So, you've just passed your driving test and are now behind the wheel of your first car. Welcome to the world of automotive independence!
With automotive independence comes responsibility, and as a driver, it's essential that you equip yourself with some basic car maintenance skills just in case something goes wrong with your car.
Understanding basic maintenance skills can save you time, money, and the hassle of taking your car to a mechanic.
In this blog, we'll walk you through easy car fixes that every young driver should know.
Car maintenance is crucial to ensuring you remain safe and secure when on the road. As well as keeping you and other road users safe, keeping on top of car maintenance can save you lots of money in the long term.
According to a study by RAC, 28% of young people (aged 17-24) are putting off minor repairs, which could potentially make their cars less safe.
By staying on top of car maintenance, young drivers can ensure their car is safe, keep money in their pockets, and enjoy a smooth and reliable driving experience.
Knowing how to change a tyre is an essential skill for any motorist. If you get a flat tyre, knowing how to change it will prevent you from calling out for assistance, which could be time-consuming and save you money. You'll also get the gratification of fixing something yourself, which can't be topped.
Here's how to change a flat tyre:
Tools needed - Jack, wrench, spare tyre, wheel chock, wheel nut key, and your car's handbook.
For information specific to your lease car, check out our guide, Replacing the Tyres on a Lease Vehicle.
Engine oil lubricates the engine's moving parts to reduce damaging friction. It's an easy oversight to make, but it could end up costing lots of money if it leads to lasting damage.
Here's how to check engine oil:
Over time, wiper blades will crack and deteriorate. This will not only affect your visibility on the road but could also damage your windscreen and cause your car to fail its MOT. You can tell if your wiper blades need replacing if they're streaking, skipping, squeaking, or smearing.
Here's how to replace your wiper blades:
Driving with a dull bulb is dangerous and puts you and other road users at risk. It's crucial that as soon as one of your bulbs dims, you replace it. Over the years, it has become more complicated to change your bulb and the likelihood is that the newer your car, the harder the bulb will be to replace.
Here's how to change a headlight bulb:
There's nothing worse than getting in your car and its battery being flat. If this has happened, you'll need to jumpstart your car.
Here's how to jumpstart your car:
Tools needed: Jump leads and another car with a charged battery.
By mastering these easy car fixes, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and self-sufficient driver.
Remember, regular maintenance ensures your safety on the road and extends your vehicle's life. So, roll up your sleeves and delve right in.
Note: If you are unsure about any maintenance issue, seek the help of a professional mechanic.
Looking for more car advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces regular guides on various maintenance topics, such as Caring for your Lease Vehicle and Winter Car and Van Care.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. We provide a range of services, such as In-Stock car leasing with fast delivery or Used car leasing on a range of second-hand cars.