From Getting Spare Car Keys Cut to Secure Parking: 8 Good Habits For Your Vehicle
Driving a car is a vital part of life for most people here in the UK. However, it can also pose several issues. Vehicle theft has soared over the last four years in the UK by more than 50%. These rocketing figures mean that it’s vital for motorists to be more aware of their car security and more attuned with the necessary measures. As well as this, with cyclist more than 15 times more likely to be killed on the road than drivers – and more cyclists on the road every year – it’s important that drivers are increasingly aware of their surroundings. With all of this in mind, road users must be constantly improving their driving, security and safety habits. In this blog, we discuss good habits to keep which will keep you and others safe on the road and reduce the likelihood of car theft.
Get Your Car Keys Cut To Ensure You Always Have a Spare To Hand
Whether you’re on your way to work in the morning, have to get to a family get together or you’re going on holiday, losing your only pair of car keys can throw a huge spanner in the works. When you’re in a rush, there can be little worse than losing your car keys. Of course, you can always call an emergency locksmith like Campbell & McGovern. However, prevention is always better than a cure.
With that in mind, a good habit to keep is to always have a spare in your home in a secure place. Getting spare car keys cut can save you huge amounts of time and money in the long run and is always preferential to calling up an emergency locksmith last minute. Most importantly, though, is knowing that you have a spare set of car keys will ease your mind and ensure you’re never left high and dry.
Habits To Keep Cyclists In Mind
Although many drivers believe that cyclists can be a hazard on the road, they still must be protected by drivers. Cyclists are far more likely to be injured or even die as a result of a collision, so good habits must be exercised to ensure that they are seen in time.
First of all, when you’ve parked your car, it’s advisable to use your left hand to open the door instead of right. By doing so, you’ll twist your body and naturally be looking out of the driver-side window. This means that you’ll be able to see whether a cyclist – or another road user – is coming past and act accordingly.
As well as always checking the driver-side door, be constantly mindful of space on the road, never check your phone and be particularly careful of your blind spot when making left-hand turns. By taking a glance left when turning, you’ll ensure that a cyclist doesn’t come crashing into the passenger-side door.
Accelerate and Brake Gently
Having good fuel economy can help you to save money and do your bit for the environment when driving on the road. Although buying a car with optimal fuel-efficiency built-in – like a hybrid – is the most effective course of action, there are several good habits which can also increase fuel economy.
Accelerating and braking gently is one of the primary ways of ensuring you are driving economically. By anticipating traffic when braking, you can brake far slower rather than slamming down on your brake pedals. Similarly, looking ahead on the road to see when the traffic is moving will ensure that you’re not simply speeding off. The harder you brake or accelerate, the worse your fuel economy will be.
Maintain a Steady Speed and Avoid High Speeds
It’s also important for your fuel economy to ensure that you maintain a steady speed on the road. This doesn’t mean maintaining a fast speed – which will also see your fuel economy decrease – but keeping things on an even keel. If your speed dips and bursts when driving, you’ll see your economy decrease. Fluctuations of around five miles per hour several times in an hour of driving can see your fuel usage increase by a substantial margin. Use the hills and dips in the natural flow of the ground to keep your speed consistent rather than flying down hills at the same speed you go up them.
Ensure You Always Park Securely
When parking at home, it’s always a good idea to park on a driveway or – even better – in a garage. Parking securely in a secluded location will reduce the likelihood of being targeted by car thieves. If you don’t have a driveway or garage, keeping your car in a well-lit area outside of your home with a CCTV presence is the next best option. When away from home, always choose a car park with an attendant, barriers and plenty of surveillance as these are much less likely to be targetted.
Keep Car Keys Out of Sight
Keeping your car keys out of sight in the home is an important protection against car theft and a good habit to keep. Instead of hanging your keys on a hook which is in plain sight of a window or door, keep them well out of the way – around the corner in a living room or even upstairs in the bedroom. Some opportunistic criminals may see your keys when scoping out theft and aim to break in just for the keys. By keeping your car keys out of sight, you can reduce the likelihood of a break-in and of having your car stolen.
Invest in a Car GPS or VHF Tracker
In the unfortunate event that your car does get stolen, having a GPS tracker attached to your vehicle will increase the chances you have of getting it back safe and sound. A GPS will be able to track your car wherever it is – as long as it’s on the street-level. However, a VHF system will be able to track the car even when it’s located in an underground car park.
Tracking systems do tend to be a little expensive, however, they provide you with peace of mind and are a lot less expensive than a new car!
If You Need Your Car Keys Cut In Liverpool, Look No Further Than Campbell & McGovern
Here at Campbell & McGovern Locksmiths, we’ve been in business in Liverpool since 1981 and, as such, have helped countless clients with our locksmith services. We provide extensive security and locksmith services. From cutting car keys to ensure you have a spare, supplying security systems and much more, we can help you today.
Our experience in the area means that we have become one of the most well-renowned locksmiths in the area. We can help to protect your home and valuable possessions. As well as this, we can provide emergency cutting services for your car keys if you’ve lost a set. If you’ve been looking for locksmiths to cut your car keys, look no further than Campbell & McGovern Locksmiths.
To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at our head office at 457-461 Stanley Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 5DN. Alternatively, call us on 0151 922 4085 or email us at campbellmcgovern@btconnect.com
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