What to Teach Your Child After
 Their First Car Purchase

(11/13) Buying a first car is an exciting milestone for any young person. However, owning and maintaining a vehicle comes with a lot of responsibilities that your child will need guidance on. Here are some key things to teach your child after they make their first car purchase.

The Importance of Car Insurance

One of the first things you'll want to stress to your child is the legal requirement of having adequate car insurance. All vehicles in the UK must be insured with at least third party coverage. Sit down with your child and discuss the different types of car insurance so they understand what's covered. Comprehensive insurance is usually recommended for first time drivers. Explain how making a claim works and the effect accidents and claims can have on premiums.

Booking an MOT

Cars over 3 years old require an annual MOT test. Explain to your child that they can book an MOT up to a month in advance at most garages. Recommend booking early to allow time for any necessary repairs before the MOT due date. Some garages allow you to book MOTs online for convenience.

Arranging Regular Servicing

New drivers often overlook the importance of regular servicing. Advise your child to check their owner's manual for the recommended service intervals and stick to them. Highlight that timely servicing can prevent major breakdowns and keep the car running efficiently. Suggest your child books a vehicle service Solihull well in advance at their chosen garage and considers signing up for a service plan to spread the costs of servicing.

What to Keep in the Car

Make sure your child is prepared for breakdowns and emergencies by having essentials in the car. Recommend useful items like a warning triangle, torch, high visibility vest, first aid kit, jump leads, de-icer, emergency fuel can, phone charger, basic toolkit, and car manual. Show them how to check oil, coolant and tyre tread levels. Explain what to do in a breakdown scenario.

Eco-Driving Techniques

Encouraging eco-driving techniques like smooth acceleration and braking, removing excess weight, and avoiding over-revving the engine can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce motoring costs. Demonstrate gear-changing at lower RPMs. Advise your child to check tyre pressures monthly for optimum fuel economy. Planning routes in advance and combining short trips also saves petrol.

Motorway Driving Tips

For new drivers, motorways can be daunting. Run through motorway rules and tips before allowing your child to drive on them independently. Advice like remaining in the left lane, leaving adequate stopping distance, using mirrors effectively, and avoiding distractions are all essential motorway driving skills. Have your child practice joining, exiting, overtaking, and changing lanes correctly at quieter times.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep the car in good condition, show your child some DIY tasks like regular washing, polishing, vacuuming, and simple fluid top ups. Explain how to check and replace wiper blades. Demonstrate how to change a wheel safely before your child needs to do this at the roadside.

Following the Rules

Impress on your child the importance of driving within the law and according to the Highway Code at all times. Ensure they understand the penalties for dangerous driving, drink driving, drug driving, speeding, and other motoring offences. Explain the impact offences and fixed penalties can have on insurance costs.