Vehicle Control and Basic Mechanical Knowledge
The machine under you
A pre-drive check takes a minute: tyres (pressure, tread, damage), lights and indicators, windscreen and wipers, washer fluid, oil and coolant levels, and that nothing obstructs the pedals. Tyre pressure is set cold; check the tread - the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, and worn tyres are a leading cause of aquaplaning and blowouts on wet roads.
Control is about smoothness: progressive braking, gentle steering, and acceleration that does not break traction. On long descents select a lower gear and use engine braking; riding the brakes overheats them and causes brake fade, where the pedal feels soft and stopping distance grows.
If your vehicle has ABS, brake firmly and hold - do not pump the pedal; the vibration is normal. If a tyre bursts, grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator and let the car slow before steering to the side; do not stamp on the brake. In a skid, look and steer where you want to go and avoid harsh braking. If you aquaplane, ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight until grip returns.
Dashboard lights: red means stop safely now (oil pressure, temperature, brakes); amber means check soon.
Rule of thumb: mirrors, signal, blind spot, manoeuvre - in that order, every time.