| Choosing a new vehicle can be a really exciting time | | | | accelerates and how it brakes. Brakes are very |
| for motorists young and old. For some it will be a | | | | variable between cars; some are quite soft and can |
| brand new car, straight out of the showroom with | | | | feel as though they will take a while to bring a vehicle |
| hardly any miles on the clock, for others it may well be | | | | to a halt, if you are concerned about this you could |
| a second hand car. There are some good quality | | | | look into getting the brakes upgraded. A lot of new |
| used motors out there if chosen carefully. Although it | | | | cars already come with anti lock braking systems to |
| is tempting to buy the first car you fall in love with, | | | | help prevent skidding when you need to stop quickly. |
| shop around. You know the make and model you | | | | A lot of American cars are quite big, trucks especially |
| want so it will be worth your while trying to find the | | | | so. Getting accustomed to the size of your new |
| same kind of car with lower mileage or in better | | | | vehicle is also really important. Parking in a safe spot |
| condition, or for a better price. Once you have made | | | | is one way in which you can learn the dimensions, if |
| your final decision and are the owner of the vehicle | | | | your new vehicle is larger than your old one, go slowly |
| and have sorted out necessary insurances etc, it is | | | | when parking! Cars with long trunks and hoods are |
| time to get to know your car. You should already | | | | often bumped or scuffed when being parked by those |
| have checked that all the controls, lights, windscreen | | | | who are not used to them. The last thing anyone |
| wipers are working correctly, as well as brakes, | | | | wants to do is damage their car so soon after they |
| suspension and steering. If you are ever in any doubt | | | | have acquired it! |
| about these, talk to a qualified mechanic. | | | | After a while you will feel comfortable and more |
| Before setting out on any journey, make sure you | | | | confident with your new motor. As you begin to use |
| know where all the controls are. This sounds obvious | | | | your car on highways and other busy roads, you will |
| but it’s surprising how many people are so eager | | | | be glad that you took the time to acquaint yourself |
| and impatient to get driving that they find they don’t | | | | with it first. You should never be too relaxed in any |
| know where the wiper or light controls are or how | | | | vehicle, driving will always have risks so you should |
| they work! Make sure all car mirrors are properly | | | | always be alert and ready to respond to developing |
| adjusted so that you can use them efficiently when in | | | | hazards. Knowing your car well can help to keep |
| your driving position. If possible, take the car out in a | | | | you and other road users safer. Enjoy your new |
| quiet area to begin with. Get used to how the vehicle | | | | vehicle! |