Most people drive regularly at least three or four times a week, especially if they commute to work, but if you’re someone who doesn’t drive as often, what should you do?
Unfortunately, infrequent driving can mean that your skills become rusty and your car can even become neglected. You might also not know how to respond to specific situations on the road that you haven’t seen before or haven’t seen in a long time once you get behind the wheel.
The purpose of this post is to provide you with some sage advice on what to do if you only drive two or three times a year. Here are some of our recommendations.
Give yourself more time
One of the most powerful things you can do if you drive infrequently is to give yourself more time. Leaving early means that you’re not going to rush and take unnecessary risks or make mistakes. When you have a calm attitude, you’re more likely to save lives. You have additional time to think about what you’re going to do next, and you can focus solely on staying safe on the road.
Start slow, smooth, and gentle
Another piece of pro-advice, if you’re somebody in this situation, is to start slow and use the car smoothly and gently, especially when braking, accelerating, and turning. Many people like to imagine that there is an egg between their car’s foot pedals, and they are trying to avoid breaking it. Moving gently and deftly reduces risks substantially.
Don’t drive distracted
As a general rule, people should drive distracted anyway, but you should avoid it studiously if you only drive occasionally. You need all of your powers to concentrate on what’s happening on the road. Therefore, don’t use your phone, even if it’s hands-free. If you’re rusty, holding a conversation or driving at the same time is too challenging. Also, make sure that you’re focusing 100% on the road. Don’t listen to podcasts or the radio.
Get the right insurance
Depending on why you’re driving, it’s also a good idea to get the right insurance, according to brands like Jaunt. You need cover just in case something goes wrong.
If you have a regular insurance policy, that’s fine, but if you’re just going away for the weekend and don’t have one running currently, then a temporary insurance cover is a good option. These allow you to drive to festivals, go and visit a friend for the weekend, or just take a random trip because you feel like it.
Drive the car at least once every week
If possible, you want to drive your car at least once every week to see if there’s something wrong with it. Running it for 20-30 minutes allows the engine to lubricate itself and circulates all the fluids. It also gives the vehicle a chance to charge the battery, which can slowly lose charge over time.
Check the tyre pressure monthly
Finally, check the tire pressure monthly. Make sure that they are within the manufacturer’s specifications, usually around 25 psi. Low pressure can lead to uneven wear.
This is a Take to the Road Collaborated Post