The basis of a good relationship is getting to know each other – this is also true of our relationship with our beloved car, especially when we have just changed vehicles. Let’s see what to watch out for – we asked the leading trainer of the drivingcamp driving technology centre, László Csörgő.

 

You and me, no one else

We dreamed about it, looked it up, bought it and took it home, and we are ready to drive it around the street. But not so fast! Let’s get introduced to each other! Let’s approach our new partner respectfully, and give ourselves time to get to know each other. Each car comes with a manual that we should study thoroughly and preserve. We don’t practise the ‘I know this and that for myself’ attitude on our new car because if an unknown icon lights up on the dashboard, there is no need to rush to the garage immediately to be told for good money what is lit there and why.

 

Electronic driving aids

First, there are the three-letter words: ABS, ESP, and of course all the other driving aids. It is no coincidence that these are standard equipment today as they do help a lot while driving the car, and by using them, quite a small load is lifted off the driver’s shoulder – so we can get out of the car more fit and in a better state. Not to mention the fact that we can drive more safely. We know that it would be very cool to turn off all the electronics and just drive the car the old way – just to add, in most cars nowadays it is no longer possible to turn off the driving aids completely, or if it is possible, it reconnects immediately in an emergency situation. So please do not turn these aids off. For example, using ESP is required 999 times per thousand times. The only exception is the deactivation of the traction control, if justified, only on snowy road. Why is that? The reason is that snow can stick to the rim of the tire, and if a snowy tire is controlled by the traction control, we will not be able to start the car, because the wheel will feel like it is spinning, it transfers the torque to the other side, and although we press the gas in vain, we will not move at all. If you deactivate the traction control with a snowy tire, you can start the car with confidence, the snow will swirl out of the treads of the tire on the go and everyone is happy – both the driver and the car.

The important thing is acting cool is no longer the way, what is more, it is dangerous. Do not drift without electronics in the parking lot of the residential building blocks, hoping that Ica watches our peacock dance from the 4th floor.

Use the electronics with confidence, because in the eyes of the ladies, a purposeful, safe man is much more attractive than a wild boar. If we use the driving aids properly, we will be less prone to emergencies and the car will also be grateful for careful and proper use. So, go ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping electronics, and more!

 

Teach me, master!

Why is the driving technique track useful? For many reasons. First of all, if someone changes from a small city car to a large minivan, there can be a few surprises. It is worth getting to know the limits of the car and my own changed reflexes in controlled, safe conditions, such as drivingcamp driving technology centre. On the other hand, you can try simulated emergencies with us and you can see how much chance you have with and without electronics on for example synthetic resin – which simulates the icy road. In each case, a dedicated instructor will help you practise.

Preparatory programs are also important, for example the winter preparation training, where we train drivers specifically for extreme winter road conditions. We can get to know our car, ourselves, the grip of the tires, the usefulness of the electronic, and we can also learn the tricks which can be applied in real life, if appropriate.

 

Are you electric?

When someone replaces a gasoline or a diesel car with an electric one, it is important to clarify a few basics. Electric cars do not have an accelerator pedal but a travel pedal, so as long as it is pushed, the car will be going. Electric cars are constantly delivering torque, have low friction, so it should be handled much more delicately than other types of car. It gives a much more dynamic experience due to the travel pedal, its centre of gravity is lower, which makes it slip less in a bend, so our boundaries may expand. However, the electric car is not for everyone. Those of us who travel longer distances daily, certainly will not benefit from an electric car because in Hungary the charging network is still in its infancy, thus, going from Sopron to Debrecen is not ideal by electric car.

 

In summary, when buying a new car, in addition to the satisfied joy, a sense of responsibility should also be there. Let us strive for safety and give ourselves time to get to know each other.