MOTORING NEWS - Driving smoothly and safely is actually as is easy as ABC, provided one complies with the basic rules and correct standards of driving. In Defensive Driving, employing the ABC Principle means adopting a smooth driving style that ensures mechanical sympathy.
The "A" stands for accelerate, the "B" for braking and the "C" for clutching. Missing in this little acronym is "S" which stands for steering.
Essentially, the "ABC Principle" means driving in such a smooth and co-ordinated style that it improves your concentration and observation and reduces unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle. Excessive and harsh braking, steering or acceleration results in increased strain to the various mechanical components and over time can result in failure and costly repairs or replacement bills.
So, whether you're taking off, braking, clutching, gearing or steering, treat the various components gently and the car will reward you with better consumption, less maintenance costs and reduced impact on the environment. Furthermore, because of the reduced stress, journeys will be far more enjoyable.
Here are some questions you need to ask yourself to check whether you are really familiar or "in tune" with your car:
Studying the owner's manual is critical if you want to obtain optimal performance from your car. The manual carries important information on how to operate the vehicle safely and securely and also reducing fuel consumption and unnecessary wear and tear.
If not, and you miss a service interval, the dealer or manufacturer can and will negate your warranty.
Tyres are among the most abused and neglected items. Failing to check your tyres for correct inflation, balancing, rotation, alignment and tread wear can lead to hazardous driving experiences or at the very least, premature and expensive wear.
Are you familiar with its location and removal? Are the jack and spanner in place and how regularly do you check the pressure of the spare wheel?
An emergency stop at the side of the road caused by a puncture is not the best place to learn that you don't know how to remove the spare tyre, or to discover that the spare tyre itself is flat or that the jack that you lent to Uncle Jack is still with him!
If you don't own a maintenance-free battery and its more than two years old, it's a good idea to check it regularly for corrosion at the terminal/connections.
Together with tyres, these are critical, non-negotiable safety features that demand immediate attention when the wear leads to dangerous ride and handling traits.
At the very least, carry a basic tool kit that contains a torch, jumper leads, warning triangles, an assortment of spanners, pliers and screwdrivers and insulation tape. A fire extinguisher is a wise purchase as well. Many stores keep a range of decent first aid kits that could prove to be vital in stabilising the injured in an emergency.
The old adage of prevention is better than cure holds absolutely true for trouble free, safe and secure travelling and is the marque of an advanced defensive driver.
