10 top safety tips to feel comfortable in your new car

Top safety tips for choosing and driving your new car

Your brand-new car has arrived: now it's time to get behind the wheel and give it a whirl.

But it can be quite daunting driving a new car for the first time. Figuring out where everything is and what everything does can take time in these new high-tech cars we see today.

But it's vital that you're comfortable and that you feel safe behind the wheel of your new motor.

That's why we're backing Brake, the UK-based road safety charity, in their mission to make our roads safer for everyone. Their work includes supporting victims of road incidents and their families, as well as campaigning for better road safety measures across the country.

So here we are. We've compiled 10 of our top safety tips for choosing and driving your new car.

Check the Euro NCAP

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) assesses all new cars on a variety of factors before they hit our roads.

These include:

• Adult Occupant Protection (for the driver and passenger)
• Child Occupant Protection
• Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection (covering pedestrians and cyclists)
• Safety Assist, which evaluates driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies

You can double-check just how safe a car is before you seal the deal and commit to your next lease.

It's worth having a browse through their comprehensive database – after all, you'll want to love your car not just for its looks, but for its safety credentials too.

Read the manual

You know that book that used to live in the glovebox? Well, plot twist – it's probably not there anymore.

Most new cars have ditched the chunky paper manual in favour of digital versions. Some manufacturers have dedicated apps with all the information you could ever need, others pop it on their website, and many have it built right into the infotainment system.

Wherever you find it, it's crammed with details about the controls, regular maintenance checks, safety features, and specifics like oil and fuel capacity.

So sit in the car, breathe in that lovely new car smell, and have a browse – whether that's tapping through the touchscreen or pulling up the app on your phone. It might not be the most riveting read, but it'll serve you well in the long run.

Test out the buttons

Of course, when you get bored of the book, it's time to start fiddling.

Twiddle the knobs, flip the switches, press all the buttons before you take the car anywhere. The last thing you want is to be caught in a downpour and accidentally turn on the radio instead of the windscreen wipers.

Anything you can do to get rid of potential distractions will help keep you and others safe on the road.

Adjust seats and mirrors

You'll need to adjust your seats and mirrors until you feel like you're in the perfect driving position.

The rear-view mirror should give you a clear view of the back window without you having to craning your neck. With the side mirrors, you should see a sliver of the side of the car, and the horizon should sit in the middle of the mirror.

Your ideal seat position will depend on personal preference and your height. So, if you’ve got short legs? You'll probably find yourself sat closer to the steering wheel.

Getting this right will not only make the driving experience safer, but easier and more comfortable too.

Aim the headlights

There's a chance that the car could turn up with the headlights misaligned – it happens more often than you'd think.

Be sure to check before you set off on any journeys, so you don't accidentally blind other drivers or miss spotting an obstacle.

It's good practice to double-check every time a bulb is changed as well.

Emergency kit

It's better to be safe than sorry, and this is never truer than when it comes to an emergency kit. Gather it now, thank yourself later.

A well-stocked emergency kit typically includes:

• Torch and spare batteries
• Non-perishable snacks (that granola bar will be a godsend when the next service station is miles away)
• Phone charging cables and power bank
• Basic tool kit
• Window hammer
• High-vis vest
• First aid kit
• Extra jumper or blanket
• Water bottle (especially in the summer)

Stay alert

Your new car may feel strange and handle differently to your previous ride.

Take it steadier than normal with the pedals for the first week or two to let the newness wear off.

This is particularly important when it comes to keeping an eye on your speed – if the new car has more power than you're used to, you might find yourself accidentally creeping above the speed limit.

Clutter

When your car is shiny and new, you'll obviously want to keep it pristine.

But we're all human, and clutter inevitably builds up with more ease than we'd care to admit. The thing is, a clear cabin is a much safer cabin.

The last thing you want is for a stray water bottle to go rogue and roll between the pedal and the floor at the worst possible moment. Or in the case of a collision, go flying and hit a passenger.

Maintenance checks

Brand-new cars don't need an MOT until they're three years old, but it's still important to keep up with regular maintenance checks.

Remember the acronym FLOWER:

• Fuel
• Lights
• Oil
• Water
• Electrics
• Rubber (tyres)

These simple checks will help keep your lease car running smoothly and safely throughout your contract. Although, if you have an electric car, most of these won’t apply to you as there is no fuel or oil.

Basic road safety

It sounds simple, but it's always important to take extra care when you're getting used to a new vehicle.

Don't use your phone while driving, never drink and drive, and do what you can to cut out distractions. Drive defensively and give yourself extra time to react while you're getting familiar with your new car.

It'll help keep you, and those around you, safer on the road.

Ready to get behind the wheel?

Getting comfortable with your new lease car doesn't happen overnight, but following these simple safety tips will help you settle in more quickly – and more safely.

Remember, there's no rush. Take your time getting to know your new car, and don't be afraid to pull over if you need to familiarise yourself with any of the controls.

Once you've got the hang of it, you'll be wondering how you ever managed without your shiny new motor.

And if you're still shopping around for your next lease car, our team are here to help you find the perfect match.

After all, we're here to put the ease in your next car lease.