Your First Toyota: 6 Tips for New Drivers

There are few things more exciting than driving for the first time. As your Toyota dealer, we want to make sure you love every aspect of the experience, from the quality car you drive to the way you gain skills and confidence. Here’s a few tips for new drivers that can help everything to go smoothly.

Understand Your Vehicle

Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with your car’s features and controls. Read the owner’s manual to understand how the various systems work, such as the brakes, accelerator, lights, wipers, and emergency signals. Take some time while you’re sitting with the car in park to find where everything is and how it operates. Don’t assume that all cars are the same!

Master Basic Maintenance

Basic car maintenance knowledge is essential for every new driver. Learn how to check the oil level, tire pressure, coolant level, and brake fluid. Make sure you can fill a tire with air, too.

Develop Situational Awareness

Always be aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and regularly check your mirrors. Be particularly cautious at intersections, in bad weather, and during night driving. If you proactively do this when you first start out, the habits will become second nature.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means anticipating potential dangers and reacting calmly and safely. Always assume that other drivers will make a mistake, and be prepared to react. For example, if you’re first at the traffic light, don’t zoom off the instant it turns green. Assume that someone going the other way will be late trying to beat the yellow light on their side, and make sure the way is completely clear before you move.

Manage Speed and Following Distance

Obey speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions: when it’s dark, rainy, or snowing, the speed limit is often not actually a safe speed. Don’t worry about what the drivers behind you are doing, either. Just because a person has been driving longer than you doesn’t mean they are driving smarter. Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead – a good rule of thumb is the three-second rule, which gives you ample time to react in case of sudden stops.

Learn to Handle Emergencies

Prepare yourself for emergencies by learning and practicing basic maneuvers. As an example, if it’s snowing, and you have access to a large, empty parking lot, consider driving there carefully and practicing quick stops, starts, and turns in the empty space. This will give you an idea of how the car will react.

The longer you drive, the more intuitive it will become. If you need a quality car to match your growing skills, come to Toyota of Kingsville today!

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