Some people much prefer driving an automatic car, choosing to drive one over the option of driving a manual car. This means that you won’t have to worry about changing gears, making it a good option for people who might be nervous drivers, or perhaps for people with certain disabilities. Others just simply prefer the experience of driving an automatic.

That’s not a problem, of course. The main thing you will need to consider though, is the type of license you will get. If you have a license to drive automatic cars, then you will only ever be able to drive an automatic. If you have a manual driving license, then you can also use this to drive automatic vehicles.

If you know that you are only ever going to drive an automatic, that’s fine. If there is any doubt at all, then it’s better to get a manual license so that you have the choice in future.

When you have a family, the car is a very important element to consider. Having the right vehicle will make your life so much easier, meaning you can get from A to B faster and fit all of the kids inside the car easily. Here are some of the top things to look out for in a child-friendly car:

• 5 doors. It will be impossible to get children around in a 3-door car. If you have a sleek, pretty 3 door sports model, it just isn’t going to be practical.
• Space for a pushchair. Make sure there is enough space to fit in your model – take it along when you buy the car.
• A good size boot. Make sure you have enough boot space to fit in baby supplies, prams etc.
• Parking sensors. These are a good idea to have if your family car is a little bigger than you are used to.

Windscreen wipers may be simple, but they carry out an essential function, ensuring your can see clearly when you are driving. If you don’t have windscreen wipers that are functioning fully, then you will need to get some new ones. So how do you know when the time has come to invest in a new pair? Here are some tips:

• The windscreen isn’t clearing as effectively. If you notice that using your wipers isn’t working as well and the rain or snow isn’t being cleared properly, your wipers may be getting old and less effective.
• You start to notice some friction. The windscreen wipers may begin to jar as they move – you will probably hear a grating noise. You will also probably notice a reduction in their effectiveness.
• Windscreen wipers are an advisory after your service. This means you will need some new ones soon, so keep an eye on them.