If you’re a first-time car owner chances are that you’re probably thrilled and excited about your new ride, no matter if the vehicle is new or used. Your life gets much easier from now on, as you don’t have to worry about missing on a bus or getting to the subway station on time when commuting to and from work.
You just hop into your four-wheeler and things like grocery shopping suddenly aren’t as troublesome as they used to be. On top of that, you can start planning all kinds of activities that were previously hard to attain since you didn’t own a car. Road trips, family holidays, weekend breaks and vacations are all now feasible and within reach.
But there are also some things that you need to pay close attention to, in order to properly maintain your vehicle of choice. We give you a list of things you should be aware of when it comes to taking good care of your new car.
Inspect Your Car Regularly
Even though you might not know a single thing about cars (besides driving), it’s high time that you familiarize with some of the basics. We are well aware of the fact that almost no one reads user’s manuals these days, but they can actually be quite helpful when trying to get to know your car a little bit better.
You should study the owner’s manual carefully and try to understand the major fundamental functions of a car. This will allow you to make car inspections fairly regularly, and it will also save you time and money in the long run. You won’t have to go and visit a mechanic every time there’s something minor to be done.
Check the Car Fluids
One good example of this is car fluids change – when you learn the basics of that, you’ll be able to check things like oil and coolant levels. They say that the car fluids are like a bloodstream of a car for a reason. If they’re dirty or the levels aren’t adequate, your car will suffer and it won’t be in good condition much longer.
Get your oil changed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, as most newer engines have this oil change interval recommended. You should also keep the coolant level satisfactory, as it protects your engine from freezing in the winter and overheating and boiling in the summer.
Keep Your Car Clean
This isn’t just about the aesthetic look of your car (although this shouldn’t be disregarded by any means), but also about the car’s overall condition and your own safety, as well.
For instance, dirty windscreens and windows of the car can cause a serious threat to everyone. We wouldn’t exaggerate one bit if said that a single dirty spot on the lens of your outside rearview mirror camera can represent a huge difference between safe and hazardous driving.
Having mud all over the chassis and tyres can also cause a threat. That’s why it’s so important to do a mobile car detailing regularly – not only will you stay safe in traffic and on the road, but your car will also look good and stay in a good condition much longer.
You can also take other steps to prevent your car from getting dirty. For example, you can park it indoors in the garage if you will not be using it for long periods. If that’s not possible, a custom-fit protective car cover is essential. It can protect your car from the elements, dirt, and debris.
Make Sure That the Tyres Are In Good Condition And the Tyre Pressure Is Optimal
Every once in a while, be sure to check that the tyre pressure is good. This way your every day rides will be more comfortable, and you will also save gas money. Some calculations say that poor tyre pressure can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 2 miles a gallon.
Speaking of tyres, you should switch them around from time to time: put the ones that are in front to the back and vice versa. Your tyres will last longer this way as you will counterbalance the signs of uneven wear and tear.
Inspect the Car Battery
It really shouldn’t matter that much if your battery is labeled as ’maintenance-free’ or not – you still want to make sure that everything is alright, especially before going somewhere on a longer trip.
You want to inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion and to see if the fluid levels are alright. By doing this, you will prolong battery life and you will also avoid any potential inconveniences or nuisances, like getting stuck with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere.
Bring a Well-Equipped First-Aid Kit Everywhere You Go
This can really be a lifesaver. Having a well-equipped first-aid kit by your side at all times will make you feel more secure. In case of an accident, you always want to react quickly and appropriately, as waiting for an ambulance or driving to a hospital can take a lot of precious time.
With the first-aid kit, you can also help someone else who is sick or injured on the road until full medical treatment is available.
Conclusion
Those were some basic car care tips for first-time owners. Having your own car can mark an exciting and action-packed period of your life, so make sure to act accordingly. Drive responsibly, take proper care of your vehicle and do whatever is in your ability to maintain everything in order.
