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- Take care of your car
- Warranty
- Saving on fuel costs
- Servicing and repairs
- Check before MOT
- Drive safely
- Child seat safety
- What to do in an accident
- Making an insurance claim
- Car securityTake care of your car
It is a well known fact that if you take good care of your car you are less likely to have break downs which also means you will spend less money for repairs, servicing and MOT. It would be really annoying to pull off your car on the hard shoulder and dealing with the smoke coming out of your car’s front part. So before it happens you’d better to run some simple checks on your car.
Think about your oil and oil filter first. When did you change it last time and is the oil level between the accepted range? Have you checked your brake, transmission, windscreen washer and power steering fluid regularly? This would help a lot to make your car run smoothly. How often do you check your tire inflation? If you can do it at least once a month it will help detect slow leaks that could possible lead to flats ahead of time. Check the battery and cables for signs of corrosion or grime. If your battery takes battery fluid, also make sure it's regularly checked. Lights are very important for your safety when travelling so make sure all inside lights, headlights, turn signals and brake lights are working properly. If you are driving in a wet country like England then you should check your windscreen wipers blades for streaks or cracks very often and rotate blades at least once a year to be safe. You must remember to change the air filter every time you change your oil just as a rule of thumb.Warranty
If you just bought a new car you are mostly covered for three year warranty but that could go up to seven or twelve years depending on your manufacturer. In order to benefit from your warranty you need to read understand terms and conditions clearly. As an example, if you do not service your car in every 10000 miles you might not be able to use your warranty. Always read the warranty terms and conditions carefully and use your car according to that.
If your standard warranty has already expired you can still have your car covered by an independent or extended warranty. Prices and the rules for the independent warranties may wary so make sure you search the market well to get the best option for you.
Saving on fuel costs
Find your cheapest station.
You can easily compare petrol prices on the internet and might find a cheaper provider close to your home or work. It might differ 10-15 pence per liter and can save a few £s in return. Find shorter routes
You might not know yet but there could be shorter or less congested routes to your destination. Sometimes using motorways might add a few miles to your journey but when you consider stopping less it might be in your benefit. Always check traffic news on your route before you start to travel and avoid using the same route if there is a major congestion or accidents on that day. Check your tyre pressures regularly.
Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel. Your vehicle guide book should have the standard tyre pressure information on it. Try to check and adjust tyre pressures once a month at least and it is free on most of the petrol stations. Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
Every extra 50kg will increase your petrol consumption by an average of 2 per cent, according to www.save-petrol.co.uk. So have a look at your boot again and get rid of everything you don’t need. Streamline.
Roof racks and bicycle carriers create extra wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption. If you do not need it, take it off. Use your air-conditioning responsibly.
If you are not travelling on a fast motorway with more than 50mph, then you can save more on turning off your air-conditioning and lowering down your windows or sliding you’re your sunroof a bit. Speed within limits.
The faster you go, the more fuel you use. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9 per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more than at 50mph, according to the Department of Transport. Change your oil.
Clean oil reduces the wear caused by friction of moving engine parts, helping to improve fuel consumption. Drive Smoothly.
Acceleration and deceleration is what uses most fuel – so try to slow down gradually at lights, avoid heavy braking and try not to rev too much. Choose better road condition.
Gravel or heavy dirt surfaces can increase your fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent – not to mention the affect on your paintwork. If there is a route involving smooth tarmac, even if it is slightly longer, then take that. Avoid short journeys
Combine short trips – such as buying the paper, dropping-off the recycling, or collecting the kids – rather than making multiple short trips.Servicing and repairs
It is very important that you service and repair your car on time because it will help you to drive your car safely and will prevent further problems from happening. It will also save money on fuel consumption.
In the following list you can find a few helpfulhints before you service or repair your car which can save money and ensure that you will get a better service.
Read your warranty document thoroughly before booking your car in for servicing. If your car needs a repair or some warranty work carried out, you might need to have it done at a franchised dealer in order to keep your warranty intact. Always check your car’s servicing schedule and give yourself enough time to find a proper place to service your car to make appointments. Search on the internet, on local papers and other media to find some good deals and get written quotes if possible. If you have found a garage whether independent or franchised make sure you have visited www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk and checked if the garage has signed up to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair or not. The self-regulating code of practice is designed to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping them identify better businesses, while encouraging garages to raise their standards of customer service. Check if the garage is VAT-registered and make sure the parts and fluids used are genuine manufacturer products. Get receipts and part serial numbers to prove this. After servicing your car make sure that the servicing book is stamped.
Check before MOT
Here is a list of items that are easily to check before you take your car for a MOT test:
Tyres: Check all the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, and there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the 3/4 of the tyre. Ensure there are no bulges, lumps or cut. Lights: Check that the following lights are working correctly: front position lights (side lights), headlights, rear lights, rear registration plate light, rear fog lamps, headlamps, brake lights and indicator lights. Check all bulbs are working even when light is tapped lightly with a hand and check and lens/casing is not cracked. Hazard Lights: Check all indicator lights flash when the hazard light swich is selected. Check with the ignition on and off. Horn: check this sound correctly and is not a two tone type horn.
Registration Plate: Check that is not cracked, securely fastened and not obscured. Also ensure the letters are of the correct size and spacing. Vehicle Identification Number: Check the car has a Vehicle Identification Number displayed.
Seat belts: Check all the seat belts fasten and unfasten correctly and are not damaged. Mirrors: Mirrors should be fitted where required, usable and not damaged. Wipers and Washers: Make sure the wipers are not damaged and the washer bottle is full of liquid. Windscreen: Check for chips and cracks in the windscreen. In an area in front of the driver a chip cannot be bigger than 10mm, in other areas swept by the wipers that dammage cannot be more than 40mm.Drive safely
Before you make any journey always check the following :Fuel: Is it sufficient for journey?
Fasten your seatbelt before you start to drive. Plan your journey in advance and use regular breaks to refresh yourself. While driving keep concentrated on the road and be aware of the potential dangers ahead. Keep your driving distance well, drive within limits and use the appropriate lane for your speed. Don’t rush or speed up to be somewhere on time. It is better to be late then having an accident. Never use a mobile phone or do something else which will distract your attention from driving. Check the weather conditions before you travel and be prepared. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive if you feel tired or drowsy. If you are on medication make sure you read the label carefully.
Lights: Not cracked - All working?
Oil: Levels OK - Oil - Brake/steering fluid?
Water: Windscreen/coolant?
Electrics: Systems OK - No lights stay on?
Tyre: Pressures, tread, cuts etc?
Health: Not on medication or feeling drowsy
Child seat safety
From May 2008, all child restraints must comply with the UN ECE Regulation 44.03 (or a later version e.g. 44.04). If you're still using an older child seat approved to 44.01 or 44.02 it will have to be replaced by May 2008.
Rear-facing infant carriers must not be used on a front-passenger seat where a passenger airbag is fitted. The close proximity of the restraint to the airbag could result in a severe injury or death to the child if the bag inflates. Use only an approved restraint suitable for the child's weight and size. Use restraints approved to the latest standard, (UNECE Regulation 44.03) – these fit better in modern cars and provide improved protection for your child. Ensure that the restraint is compatible with your car. Check the seat manufacturer's application list, ask the retailer to demonstrate or install the seat, or ask for advice from the car manufacturer. Make sure that the restraint is fitted securely and firmly in the car – follow the instructions and retain them in the car for future reference.
Carry children in the rear seat of the car if possible. Adjust the harness for a tight but comfortable fit each time your child uses the seat.
Check the restraint installation regularly to ensure that fixing straps or seat belts have not worked loose.
Check the restraint condition regularly and renew it if there are any signs of cracking in the shell or of fraying or cuts in webbing.
Ensure that your child understands the importance of being safely strapped in for every journey.
Cover the seat when parking on hot days to avoid burning the child on hot metal fittings when you return.
DON’T carry children unrestrained, no matter how short the journey.
DON’T fit a rear-facing baby seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag – death or serious injury can result. Forward-facing seats should be set well back from the airbag.
DON’T buy a restraint unless you are certain that it will fit properly in your car. No 'universal restraint' fits correctly in all cars.
DON’T buy a second-hand restraint unless you know its history and it is complete with all its instructions.
DON’T use a restraint that has been involved in a crash.
DON’T hold a child in your arms or put the seat belt around both of you. In an accident your weight will crush your child.
DON’T allow children to release buckles or climb out of belts.
DON’T modify child seats or buckles – this could have serious consequences in an accident.
DON’T use an ordinary cushion instead of a booster cushion. In an accident it could fly out and the child could slide under the seat belt.
DON’T leave your children unattended in a car.
What to do in an accident
If you’re involved in an accident, it’s important to get as much information as possible. If you’re injured or in a state of shock you may not be able to get all the information you need at the time. However, there’s still information you can provide by returning to the scene of the accident at a later date – as soon as you can – and taking some notes.
This will assist your claim and help your insurance company obtain the best possible outcome at a later date. It’s recommended you carry a pen, paper and disposable camera in your car to help you accurately record the accident details.
Time and date
Information to collect at the time of accident (if possible)
Contact details including names, addresses and telephone numbers of drivers, passengers and pedestrians involved. If a party is driving within the course of his employment, take both the driver and the employer's details. It may be worth noting a description of the driver, location and any distinguishing features.
Vehicle details including make, model, registration number, colour, any modifications and the number of passengers in each vehicle
Insurance details for the driver of the other vehicle
Whether the parties were using headlights and/or indicator lights
The weather, visibility and lighting conditions, including street lighting
Name, "collar number" and force details of any police officer attending and other emergency services details if appropriate
Identify the damage to each vehicle involved
Identify any injuries to persons involved
If you have a camera, take some photographs of the accident scene
Useful information to write down at the time or after the accident
A full description of what happened including sketches of the vehicles’ positioning
Estimated speed of the vehicles involved
The type of road A description of the scene of the accident, including any relevant road markings, signals and obstructions. For example, “skip outside property at road junction.”Reporting
Inform your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. The company may refuse to insure you if you have not notified them of the accident within the time period set out in the policy.
It’s an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver following an accident, if there has been injury or property damage.
Making an insurance claim
There may come a time when it is necessary for you to make a claim against your insurance company for damage caused to your vehicle or someone else's. Indeed it may be necessary for you inform your insurance company that you have been involved in an RTA (Road Traffic Accident) and that you were the party responsible for causing the accident: whatever the reasons for making a claim here are a few things worth bearing in mind.
Theft
Some of the reasons you may have to make a claim against your insurance are:
Accidental Damage
Criminal Damage
Injury to Others
Injury to Yourself
Damage to Personal Belongings
Fire Damage
Medical Expenses
Contacting Your Insurance Company
If you need to make a claim the first thing you must do is contact your insurance company. It is important that you do this as soon as you possibly can or - if you have received injuries as the result of an RTA (Road Traffic Accident) - as soon as it is practical for you to do so.
Most insurance companies now have direct telephone lines which have advisors who can take the details of your claim over the telephone and set the wheels in motion. Likewise if your policy offers the facility for you - as the driver - to have use of a courtesy vehicle while your own vehicle is off the road, then the insurance company can arrange this in the early stages of the claim.
What Information Does My Insurance Company Need?
Names and addresses of others involved in the incident
Firstly you should provide the insurance company with your policy details; name, address policy number etc. They will ask you to confirm the nature of the claim you wish to make and also ask you for any other relevant information such as:
Nature of damage to vehicle
Crime Number (if relevant)When you first contact your insurance company it is important that you remain as calm as possible throughout and answer all of their questions to the best of your abilities.
Making Your Claim
Invoices from garages
Once you have made the initial contact with your insurance company you will receive a claims document which you are required to fill out and return to them. This document will have to include the exact nature of the claim you are making and any other documentation relevant to it. This may include:
Statement from the police
Eye-witness statements
Incident report
Any photographic evidence
Quotations for repairs
Copy of your driving licence
Again the nature of the documentation you will enclose with your policy is indicative of the nature of your claim but you should endeavour to ensure that all necessary paperwork is enclosed to help the process run smoothly.
It is important that you fill in every aspect of the forms sent to you by the insurance company and if there is any further information you think is relevant to them then you should attach it on separate sheets of A4 paper - preferably stapling it to the claim form and attaching a note to say you have done so.
Do not be afraid to provide as much information as you can; providing the information you give is relevant then you can never provide your insurance company with enough; it will help them understand the nature of your claim and will also help you understand what the insurance company is expected to do on your behalf.
As mentioned previously you may be required to provide a copy of your driving licence; if this is the case then you should provide both a copy of the card and paper versions if in your possession. Insurance companies often ask for copies of driving licence documents in order to prove the validity of a driver's claim and also to prove they are legally eligible to drive. They may also wish to check for endorsements.
After You Have Made Your Claim
The most important aspect to remember after making your claim is time; you should be aware that most insurance companies - given the number of vehicle owners - will be busy and that not all claims will be resolved in a matter of days. Depending on the nature of the claim - and whether or not the insurance companies of other parties involved co-operate fully - will determine how quickly a claim is settled.
You should allow initially a few days for receipt of your completed claim form and documentation to arrive back with your insurance company. If you have heard nothing from them by mail, email or telephone within 7 working days then you should consider contacting them to ensure that all necessary documentation has arrived.
Likewise if you are sending your documentation through the post it is wise to make copies - and check to see which documents the insurance company will accept copies of first - and register the sending of any letters if you can.
Car security
There are a few simple things that can help you to reduce the risk of your car being stolen or broken into.
Never leave your car without your keys
If you need to leave your car even just for a few seconds always take your keys with you, lock the doors and activate your alarm. Make sure sunroof is closed and windows are not open. Be extra cautious while driving in a busy traffic
It is really easy for somebody to open one of the rear doors or put their arms through an open window and steal something from your car while you are stuck in a traffic jam, so make sure you locked your doors and windows are secure against any theft. Don't leave items on display
Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief. Use immobilisers
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. You should only buy security devices or services that are approved by either Thatcham (new window) (the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre 0870 550 2006, Thatcham) or by Sold Secure (new window) (01327 264 687).They should be professionally fitted - either by your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board. Park safely
When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place. Use safe car parks
When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park. Use a steering wheel lock
Buy a steering wheel lock and use it every time you leave your vehicle. Get an alarm fitted
Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it. You can get more information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006. Secure your wheels
Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels. Etch your vehicle identification number onto surfaces
Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps. Mark all your equipment
Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number. Check before buying a used vehicle
Before buying, check whether the car you are interested in has been reported stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to financeIt is up to you to make sure the vehicle you want isn't stolen, if you do end up buying a stolen vehicle you could:
-lose all your money
-lose the vehicle
-inherit whatever problems the vehicle had (unpaid tickets, penalties etc).
-risk police interest in your actions
So don't take the chance, check it out first!
If you have any suspicions, notify the police immediately.
This article used resources from the following websites:
www.whatcar.com
www.autotrader.com
www.yourdrivinglicence.co.uk
www.which.co.uk
www.theaa.com
www.rac.com -