Top Tips for New Drivers
Jason Barker • April 1, 2024
Whether you couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel at 17, or you’ve waited until later in life to take your driving test, there are a number of things to consider if you’re a new driver.
- Purchasing your first vehicle – There are a number of things to consider when purchasing your first vehicle, from reliability to fuel and insurance costs. For example, vehicles are grouped into different insurance classifications, with vehicles in group 1 being the cheapest to insure and vehicles in group 50 being the most expensive. You can visit our blog ‘Things young drivers should consider when purchasing their first car’ for further information.
- Purchasing car insurance – Car insurance is typically more expensive for young and/ or new drivers, but there are a number of things that can be done to reduce car insurance costs, such as having a telematics box fitted. You should always make sure you’re buying a policy suited to your individual requirements. We advise using a local broker to purchase a policy where possible. Our blogs ‘What car insurance should I buy?’ and ‘How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance as a young driver?’ might also be helpful.
- Basic maintenance – It’s essential to keep your vehicle in a safe, roadworthy condition at all times. This involves keeping the vehicle clean and also making sure the individual components meet legal requirements. For example, all tyres should have a minimum tread of 1.6mm by law. Here at CARS, we recommend a minimum tread of 3mm. Our blog ‘How to take care of your vehicle’ details the vehicle maintenance you should undertake on a regular basis.
- Additional tuition – Passing your test is only the first step in your driving journey. Many individuals choose to bolster their experience by doing additional tuition, such as the Pass Plus scheme. This may expose you to several challenges that you’re yet to experience, such as driving at night. Proof of carrying out this additional tuition could also bring down your insurance premiums.
You can contact CARS for advice on all things car maintenance, repairs and insurance.
We are proud to announce that our Lincolnshire-based accident repair centre has now surpassed 350 five-star Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to high-quality vehicle repairs and outstanding customer care.
After an accident, the last thing you need is more worry. Between dealing with insurers, arranging repairs, and trying to keep life moving as normal, it can all feel overwhelming. One of the biggest concerns we hear from customers is: “Will I be left without a car if I don’t use my insurer’s approved repairer?”
After an accident, most drivers focus on getting their car repaired as quickly as possible.
Being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault is something nobody plans for. Even when you’ve done nothing wrong, the situation can quickly become stressful - damaged vehicles, unexpected phone calls, insurance paperwork, and the worry of being without your car. At a time like this, choosing the right repair cen
Whether you're selling your car privately, part-exchanging it at a dealership, or preparing to return a lease vehicle, the way your car looks plays a huge role in how much it’s worth.
Even the most careful drivers pick up small bits of cosmetic damage over time, whether it’s a scuff in a supermarket car park, a kerbed alloy on a tight corner, or a stone chip from the motorway.
SMART repairs (Small-to-Medium Area Repair Technologies) are an incredibly popular way to fix minor cosmetic damage quickly and cost-effectively. However, not all SMART repairs are equal.
As we welcome the new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts. For your vehicle, that can mean finally dealing with the small knocks and cosmetic damage that have built up over time.
At CARS, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services with advanced solutions for our customers.
We would like to extend a huge well done to Callum for achieving his Technical Paint Training with the Volkswagen Group.
