Driving can be fun and exciting but can also be equally challenging for people who are new to it. Here are 5 mistakes beginner drivers make that you need to be aware of:
1. Not Checking the Oil Level
Checking your oil regularly is needed to maintain a healthy engine. Beginners can overlook the fact that they need to check their oil level regularly which can cause in serious problems like:
● Lower oil level: You may not realize that you are running low on oil. Lower oil levels affect the lubrication and cooling of the engine due to which the engine gets overheated.
● Delayed oil replacement: Oil needs to be replaced regularly so that it can be clean and effective. Old or impure oil can cause the engine to overheat.
● Failure in the detection of leaks: There might be an oil leak that may go unnoticed if you do not check the oil level regularly. This will cause engine damage.
2. Not Scanning the Check Engine light before taking your car to the mechanic
Another mistake beginners do is that they do not check the engine light before taking their car to the mechanic. This can waste the time of the driver and also cause some more expenses.
● Additional costs: If the engine light comes on, this means that your vehicle has an issue and needs your attention. Ignoring this warning means more damage to your car which can lead to additional expenses in the longer run.
● Safety of the vehicle: It can also affect the safety of your vehicle. If you have a steering component that needs to be fixed or a faulty brake system, serious accidents can occur. These issues need to be addressed soon so you and other drivers around you can be safe.
A beginner level should adopt new habits and that includes checking the vehicle’s engine light. This can help you recognize where the problem lies earlier, can save you time, and money, and save you from any potential hazards.
3. Waiting too long to Change Different Fluids
It is always advisable for the beginner to change different fluids on time. Waiting too long to change the fluids can affect the vehicle’s longevity, safety, and performance. This can be harmful in certain ways.
● Not changing the engine oil in time: Engine oil is used for the lubrication of moving parts by reducing friction. This lessens any wear in the engine. Taking a long to change the engine oil makes it dirty with contaminants leading to engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency.
● Not changing the transmission fluid on time: Transmission fluid helps to bring power from the engine compartment to the wheel. If not changed on time, it can become contaminated leading to slipping gears, poor shifting, and then transmission failure.
● Not changing the brake fluid: Brake fluid helps to transfer pressure from the brake pedal to the brake pads causing the vehicle to stop. If not replaced on time, the brakes might get ineffective and eventually fail to cause senior injuries and accidents.
● Not keeping a check on coolant: Coolant helps to regulate the engine’s temperature which avoids the engine from overheating and any damage. Taking a longer time to change the coolant can contaminate it causing overheating of the engine, as a result, the engine might seize up.
Therefore, waiting too long to change the fluids can cause lesser performance, expensive repairs, and potential safety hazards. So it is necessary for the beginner to follow the vehicle's manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule and regularly inspect the fluid levels to ensure the efficient working of the car.
4. New tires having Improper Wheel Alignment
New tires having improper wheel alignment can cause certain problems for beginner drivers affecting the vehicle’s safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Having an improper wheel alignment can result in:
● Uneven tire wear: Uneven wear can happen leading to premature tire wear and the tires will have to be replaced frequently.
● Poor handling: Misaligned wheels can make the vehicle go to one side which makes it difficult for the vehicle to remain in a straight line while driving. This becomes even more dangerous at higher speeds or tough weather conditions.
● Reduced fuel efficiency: This can cause an increase in fuel consumption as more work will be required to move the vehicle forward leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
● Braking issues: Improper wheel alignment can affect the braking performance making it harder for the vehicle to stop in any emergency situation.
As a beginner, it is advisable for you to have your wheel alignment checked by a technician and get these issues resolved to avoid any potential hazards on the road.
5. Not Knowing about Different Symbols in the Dash
Beginners need to learn about different symbols in the dashboard. Not knowing can lead to confusion and dangerous situations. This can be detrimental in a way:
● Warning signs: Warning signs is an indication that your vehicle needs attention. If you are not aware of these warning signs, you may continue to drive without fixing the issue. This can lead to dangerous situations on road.
● Maintenance reminders: Some dashboard signs are maintenance reminders like a tire rotation or oil change. Not knowing these signs will make you miss the crucial maintenance intervals resulting in premature wear and tear on your vehicle.
● Fuel indicators: The fuel indicator indicates the fuel left in the vehicle. If you don't know about this sign, you may run out of fuel on road and get stuck on the road.
● Temperature signs: Temperatures signs of the engine tells you when your engine is overheating. If you have no knowledge about this sign, you won't know that your engine is getting heated up which can cause serious engine damage or a complete engine failure.
Hence, it is necessary for the beginner driver to make him familiar with different dashboard signs to avoid any confusion and dangerous situations on road.
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