Safer, Cheaper Driving
Anything that helps to improve road safety and drive costs down has to be good news. Here are a few basic tips, which should help make your motoring a little bit safer and easier on the pocket.
Ensure Tyres are Well Maintained
Tyre pressures can have a major effect on your car’s performance, especially in terms of grip, braking, fuel economy and ride comfort.
Pressures can vary greatly with different temperatures and conditions and should be checked every couple of weeks. Always check tyre pressures when cold or you will get a false reading. Also look for any cuts or bulges in the tyres themselves. These indicate internal damage and if found, the tyre should be replaced immediately.
Sensible Driving to Reduce Tyre Wear
Your driving style can have a big affect on how long your tyres last. High speeds, aggressive cornering and heavy braking all increase wear, as does carrying excessive loads, so avoid them if you can. In other words, drive safely and take it easy if you want to save money.
Front tyres always wear faster due to the steering movement, so it’s a good idea to rotate them every few months to even wear.
Under or over inflation are equally bad for your tyres and have a direct effect on fuel economy as well as ride comfort and safety. Pressure guards allow you to check your tyres are at the right PSI at a glance and are a very worthwhile investment.
It’s also good to carry a tyre inflator with you. The latest models simply plug into your cigarette lighter socket, are quick, effective and save you a lot of leg pumping.
Maintaining Excellent All-round Visibility
Keeping your windows clean and clear is a must and a daily task, especially in the winter months. One way you can make it a little bit easier is to use a cleaner that applies an invisible protective coating to prevent dirt building up.
Navigational Aids
The latest sat nav systems use GPRS/GSM mobile phone technology and simply plug and play. As well as giving you directions, they also provide traffic updates, weather reports and speed camera information. Used wisely they will save you time, fuel and wear and tear.
