Owning and maintaining a car can be confusing and is a lot of work. There are many things you must do to ensure maintenance and proper functioning of your car. In addition there are legal requirements to owning and driving a car. The most basic requirement for driving your car is having a driving licence. However, the driving license is not valid forever and it must be regularly renewed. This process has been updated to match the technological age and can now be completed on your home computer.

How do I renew my driving license online?

In the United Kingdom a driving license will need to be renewed every 10 years. The process is simple and can be completed quickly if the requirements are met. Please note the UK does not allow renewal of 5-year bus or lorry license online. The requirements to apply online are as follows:

· Have a valid UK passport that is issued within 5 years

· Be a resident of Great Britain

· Pay £20 through debt or credit card

· Provide list of addresses for the past 3 years

· Have your current license (if not you must explain why)

· Have your National insurance number

If all these requirements are met the application can be completed online. Once completed, the DVLA will send your newly renewed driving license within 2 weeks. Once received, you must return your old license to DVLA

How can I maintain my car easily?

There are many ways to help maintain your car; this helps keep it running and looking like new. Below are some simple yet effective ways to maintain your vehicle.

1. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

This may seem like common sense or maybe even something that is not necessary but merely cosmetic. This is not true. Regular washing of your car helps to maintain the exterior and body of your car. Washing and waxing preserves paint and prevents rust from forming.

2. Prepare for the Winter Season

Summer and winter are the hardest seasons for your car. Winter temperatures and weather puts a strain on the battery, engine coolant, tires, and other parts. Paying special attention to these important areas may mean the difference between becoming stranded with a broken car or driving smoothly.

3. Do Not Ignore Your Check Engine Light

The notorious check engine light… it can get a bad reputation for “overdramatizing” trivial issues. The fact is: if this light is on, something is wrong with the car. This could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or as serious as an impending engine failure. The important thing is to know! Most auto-stores and shops can scan the code from your car and tell you what the problem is.

4. Check fluids and tire pressure regularly

This is one of the easiest yet most important car maintenance issues. It takes about 10 minutes but can be invaluable. In addition to tire pressure be sure to check: oil, radiator fluid, braking fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. This should be done every 2 weeks to 1 month.

5. Drive calmly

Drive the speed limit. Don’t press the gas pedal to the floor. Limit sudden breaking and acceleration. This saves you petrol as well as makes you a safer driver. In addition, hard or fast driving increases damage with wear and tear in the engine.