I’m a mechanic – drivers always forget vital feature that could save a life

PARENTS have been urged to remember a life-saving feature in cars to keep their children safe.

Getting the kids strapped into their carseats can be a nightmare – and actually leaving the driveway can feel like Mission Impossible.

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But it’s important to activate a key safety feature before you leave, despite any tantrums or spilled snacks in the back seat.

Expert mechanic, Laura Kennedy, told the Independent: “On long journeys, children can get bored and fiddly, playing with any buttons and switches they can reach.

“Put your child locks on before you start your journey so you don’t end up in a situation with a door flying open on a busy road.”

Other child experts have also shared their tips for car safety while travelling with little ones.

Babies should ideally be kept rear-facing, in the back seat but if they’re in the front, the airbag should be switched off.

Parents should also avoid putting toddlers into their carriers with winter coats on, as it stops them tightening the harness straps.

Another top driving tip revealed by former Porsche mechanic Laura, was to check your lights before hitting the road.

The all-female garage owner explained it is a good idea to double check they’re working properly before leaving the driveway.

This includes the brake lights, if you’re on your own you can place something on the pedal to have a look around the back of the car.

“If that’s not possible you could always check in a reflection”, she added.

Her final piece of advice was to make sure you have a spare tyre in the boot.

“Before you settle in for a long trip, check not only that you have a spare tyre, but that it’s in road worthy condition”, she added.

“They’re often forgotten about and left to perish or warp over time in the boot.”

The trusty mechanic also reminded motorists to keep their locking wheel nut in the car for tyre changes.

Laura runs Spanners With Manners, a garage with the intention of making women feel comfortable enough to pursue a career in mechanics.

This comes as millions of Brits fail to do simple car safety checks.

And this driving expert shared crucial tips to keep you safe when you buy a new car.

Plus, read up on UK laws pertaining to children in cars – don’t get caught out.