Driving is a skill that takes time, practice, and experience to master. While driving schools can teach you the basics, there are certain tips and tricks that can only be learned through real-world experiences. In this article, we will explore 11 essential tips for new drivers that you can’t learn in driving school. These tips will help you feel where your wheels are, avoid blind spots, adjust to different weather conditions, and deal with road rage, among other things.
1. Developing a Sense of Where Your Wheels Are
Knowing the position of your wheels is crucial for avoiding scratches on your hubcaps while parking and evading potholes on the road. This skill can also help you park well in tight spaces. Here are some tips to help you develop this skill:
a. Practice with a Plastic Bottle
Take a plastic bottle, flatten it with your foot, and place it on the road. Drive over it in turns with your left and right front wheels. With your window open, you’ll be able to hear as the bottle crunches. Continue practicing until you get it right.
b. Use Your Car’s Features
Some modern cars have cameras or sensors that can help you determine the position of your wheels. Make use of these features to get a better understanding of your car’s dimensions and wheel positions.
2. Blind Spot Management
Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you cannot see directly while driving. To minimize these blind spots, you should:
a. Properly Adjust Your Mirrors
Before setting off, inspect the car mirrors to ensure they are all correctly positioned. Adjust your side mirrors so you can see your vehicle’s back window while in your normal driving position.
b. Check Your Blind Spots Before Changing Lanes
Always perform a shoulder check to look for vehicles in your blind spots before changing lanes. This can help you avoid a collision with a vehicle that is not visible in your mirrors.
3. Adapting to Different Weather Conditions
Driving in different weather conditions requires different techniques and precautions. Here are some tips for driving in various weather conditions:
a. Rainy Weather
- Slow down and increase your following distance.
- Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
- Avoid hard braking and sudden turns to prevent hydroplaning.
b. Snow and Ice
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction.
- Increase your following distance to allow for more time to react.
- Use your headlights and turn signals early to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
c. Foggy Conditions
- Slow down and use low-beam headlights or fog lights.
- Follow the lines on the road to stay in your lane.
- Use your turn signals early and brake gently to avoid surprising other drivers.
4. Handling Road Rage
Road rage can be dangerous, both for you and other drivers on the road. Here are some tips to help you deal with road rage:
a. Stay Calm and Focused
It’s essential to stay calm and focused while driving. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage with them. Instead, concentrate on maintaining a safe distance and keeping your cool.
b. Avoid Escalating the Situation
Do not respond to aggressive gestures or honking. Avoid making eye contact with the aggressive driver, as this can provoke further aggression.
c. Report Aggressive Drivers
If you witness aggressive or dangerous driving, report it to the authorities. Provide a description of the vehicle, its license plate number, and the location of the incident.
5. Using the Hand Brake Regularly
Using the hand brake regularly can help keep it in good working condition. It is particularly useful when parking on an incline or during angle parking. However, avoid using the hand brake in cold weather to prevent the brake pads from freezing.
6. Utilizing the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheels from locking up when you brake intensely. This is a safety system you can use during extreme weather conditions like storms. When you have an ABS fitted on your car, you can negotiate corners safely and save money on repairs.
7. Adjusting the Rear-View Mirror’s Angle at Night
Rearview mirrors have a day and nighttime mode. When driving at night, you can change the mirror’s angle by pulling down the lever beneath it. This will prevent the vehicle behind from blinding you.
8. Watching Out for Trucks Maneuvering In Front
Truck and bus drivers can see the road clearly and may change lanes immediately they spot a car accident or roadblock. When you see them doing this, you should follow suit. When trucks are trying to overtake, reduce your speed and let them pass. Driving next to them on a highway isn’t comfortable, so it’s better to let them have their right of way for your own safety.
9. Regularly Turning On Your Air Conditioner
The air conditioner is mostly used in summer, but it’s also important to turn it on during perfect weather to prevent its coolant from seeping out and drying out the tubes. Switching it on can save you from the costs of replacing parts. You can regularly use its dry, warm air during winter to clear your windscreen as you ensure the tubes remain moist.
10. Handling Low Fuel Situations
Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere can be scary, especially if you’re a new driver. If your car is loaded, stop it in a safe zone and make it light by removing some of the things. Drive slowly and steadily without braking and accelerating and shut down the windows to minimize wind resistance. Turn off the air conditioner, phone chargers, and stereo to conserve fuel and reach the nearest gas station.
11. Mastering Different Parking Techniques
Parking can be challenging for new drivers, but with practice, you can become a pro. Here are some tips for different parking scenarios:
a. Parallel Parking
To avoid scratching your hubcaps, stick a piece of colored tape on the bottom of your windshield. Only stop when the tape matches the curb line. The best way to parallel park your car is by doing it in reverse, making the curb visible through the side-view mirrors.
b. Perpendicular Parking
Stop immediately when you spot the curb under your side mirror. This will ensure the distance between the curb and the car is minimal, and you’ll avoid scratching the bumper.
In conclusion, driving is a continuous learning process. The tips provided in this article can help you become a more confident and safe driver. Remember to practice, improvise, adapt, and overcome any challenges you may face on the road. Stay vigilant, alert, and focused on the road and your surroundings.
