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What to Check for When Buying Your First Car

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  Buying your first car is exciting. It can also feel like a lot to take in, especially when you are looking at used cars and do not know what you should be checking. It is easy to get caught up in the colour, design, price, or the way the car looks in pictures. But those things are only part of the decision. The outer appearance of the car might be flawless but it may have mechanical issues that can cost dearly in the future. Before you purchase your first car, think about the various aspects including its condition and running costs, as well as insurance and comfort of driving. Getting some basic knowledge through an Automatic driving school southwest London can also make it easier for a new driver to understand the controls and feel more confident when choosing and driving a first car. Start With a Budget Before you start looking at cars, work out how much you can realistically afford. It is tempting to use your entire budget on the purchase price, but remember that the...

If You Put Your Car in Neutral, Would It Save Fuel?

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  It is a common question, especially among drivers trying to make their fuel last a little longer: does putting the car in neutral save fuel? At first, it seems like it should. It may appear that the engine in such a situation some less work somehow giving the impression that not much work is being done. But there is a little more to it than that. Whether you are a new driver learning with an Automatic driving school Earlscourt or someone who has been driving for years, it is worth knowing what really happens when you put the car into neutral. What Happens When You Put the Car in Neutral? The car is not in gear and the engine is still working at its regular engine speed. With it being set to Neutral, the car still keeps moving even though the engine is at idle speed. That is the common misunderstanding - the engine is still functioning and consuming fuel. Putting the car into neutral does not mean that fuel use drops to zero. Does Neutral Save Fuel While You Are Mov...

How to Use Engine Braking and Regular Brakes on a Steep Hill

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  Going down a steep hill can be one of those driving situations that makes you a little uneasy, especially when you are still learning. The car can pick up speed quickly, and it is tempting to keep your foot on the brake all the way down. The problem is that this can put a lot of heat into the brakes. For learners attending an Automatic driving school southwest London , understanding when to use engine braking and when to use the regular brakes can make steep downhill driving feel much easier. Why Steep Hills Need Extra Care A car naturally wants to speed up when it is travelling downhill because of gravity. On a short slope, this may not be much of an issue. On a long or particularly steep hill, though, you may find yourself constantly having to bring the speed back down. This is where good speed control becomes important. Instead of waiting for the car to get too fast and then braking hard, try to keep the speed under control from the beginning of the descent. Using th...

How Self-Belief Is Built Through Driving Confidence

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  The act of learning to drive is something which has effects higher than those of simply getting you places. It can also change how you feel about yourself. For INFJs, who may spend a lot of time thinking things over or wondering whether they are making the right choice, learning to feel comfortable behind the wheel can become an unexpected way to build self-belief. For someone learning with an Automatic driving school southwest London , that confidence can grow slowly through regular practice, real experience and the simple feeling of getting better. Why Driving Can Feel So Nerve-Racking When you first start driving, there is a lot going on. You are trying to remember what your instructor has said while watching the road, judging other vehicles, controlling the car and thinking about what you should do next. It is no surprise that this can leave you feeling nervous. One of the things we sometimes think about is: ·          "What if I have a...

What Is the Most Fuel-Efficient Way to Drive?

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  Fuel prices can make you think twice every time you stop at the petrol station. While you cannot control the price of fuel, you can control some of the things that affect how quickly you use it. Your driving style, the condition of your car and even the way you plan a journey can all make a difference. Whether you are learning with an Automatic driving school Earlscourt or have been driving for years, a few simple habits can help you make better use of the fuel in your tank. 1. Accelerate Gently One of the easiest ways to waste fuel is by putting your foot down hard every time you pull away. You do not normally need to rush away from traffic lights or junctions. Try pressing the accelerator gently and building up your speed steadily. It may only save a small amount on one journey, but those small amounts can add up over time. 2. Try Not to Brake Hard Unless You Need To Think about how often you accelerate, then brake a few seconds later. It is something many people do ...

10 Mirror Mistakes Learner Drivers Make

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  Mirrors are easy to overlook when you are learning to drive. There is already so much to think about, from steering and speed to signs, traffic and pedestrians. It is quite common for a learner to concentrate so much on what is happening in front that they forget to check what is happening behind or beside the car. Whether you are learning with an Automatic driving school Earlscourt or practising with someone you know, getting into good mirror habits early can make driving feel much easier. Here are 10 common mirror mistakes learners make and some simple ways to avoid them. 1. Forgetting to Check the Mirrors This is probably one of the most common mistakes. A learner may be concentrating on a junction or trying to keep the car in the correct position and simply forget to look in the mirrors. How to improve: Try to make mirror checks part of your normal driving routine. Before changing your speed, direction or position, get into the habit of asking yourself what is happ...