The K53 driving test includes more than 30 pre-drive inspections that need to be completed before commencing a trip – so when last have you done those? A much easier and more intuitive inspection can be carried out automatically while washing your own vehicle.
Unfortunately many owners are either too lazy, have no time (read lazy) or, dare I say, do not care about their vehicles as they should (is love too strong a word?).
I acquired the habit and skill of washing a car from my dad (who also still washes his own car). You may not be able to afford a fancy car but there is absolutely no reason to drive a dirty one!
The saying goes; take good care of your vehicle and it will look after you, and I have found that this is so true. By cleaning your car you will spot the bulge on the tyre sidewall, the small leak from the radiator and the water ingress in the indicator lens that will eventually render signalling useless. You might even pop the bonnet for a quick look at the fluid levels and state of the engine belts. Many accidents can actually be prevented if owners took the time to wash their own vehicles.
I know that some people are a bit obsessive on the car cleaning front – I have been there. Washing, polishing and vacuuming for hours. I have even washed my own vehicle in sub-zero temperatures in the UK where the water left behind by the shammy froze over… Still these people’s vehicles are probably some of the safest cars on our roads.
Have you prevented an accident or break down by washing your car? Let us know. If you are still paying someone else for the privilege of washing your car then I dare you to get your hands wet – you will not regret it in the long run.
