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When it comes to caring for your vehicle on the road, it’s important to know what is expected of you. Many of us can rely on our insurance to provide us with road care when we need it, and you’ll hear nothing that goes against that common wisdom in this article. However, ikt’s also important to consider the fact that understanding how our own vehicle works, and the tools we need to enact small repairs, can help us stay safer in the long term. No matter who you are, that can certainly help you in a pinch.

However, this topic more broadly fits into a common effort that needs to be repeated, something that if everyone practiced it, road experiences would be greatly different from person to person. But what does this mean in practice? It’s worth considering.

Put simply – we’re talking about taking further responsibility on the road. How might we enact this, even as an experienced road driver? Let us consider:

Carry A Toolkit

Carrying a toolkit can be a worthwhile use of your time. This might involve a simple means of replacing a wheel and by unlocking the nuts, to using airbrake caliper repair kits if necessary. Little tools that help you guage tyre pressure, check the oil reading of your vehicle and more help you better perform those little maintenance efforts that keep you turning over before you reach the repair garage. If driving professionally, this can also help you keep on the road or better identify and describe the problem, such as if driving long-haul trucks or delivery vans.

Know What Your Warnings Mean

It’s instructive to know what the warning lights mean on your vehicle. This shouldn’t come across as patronizing to even the most experienced driver, because from vehicle to vehicle they can differ, and so it’s best to re-read your vehicle’s manual from time to time. This can help you better report or ameliorate the issue to a professional, or to your own future action should you need it. Warning lights can often be indicative of other issues too, and so if you know what they mean, it’s more likely you’ll know just when to bring your vehicle in for repairs, and when that’s not necessary.

Plan Journeys 

Plan your journeys ahead of time. This not only helps you drive more safely, but it helps you understand the kind of strain and maintenance your car may experience, or need. That can help you ensure that your vehicle is well prepared. This is particularly important if driving in harsh environments, such as old village or town roads, areas with infrequent rest stops, areas with bad or winter weather, and long haul journeys. Planning journeys, especially if you’re a new driver, also helps you stay aware of your options on the road. That can always be a worthwhile approach and a great habit to get into.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily take further responsibility while on the road.