Take care of your car – and it will take care of you!
How exciting… to have the key to your newly acquired car, ready to enjoy it on the road. Amidst the initial excitement it’s worth noting that with a little care and attention you can help your vehicle to survive for the long term, to keep it safe and running as it should, while also saving you money…
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If you’re new to car ownership, there are a few things you should know in order to keep your vehicle running properly. From understanding the basics of an oil change to knowing when it’s time for new tyres, use this guide as a resource for all your novice car questions.
- If you’re a new car owner, invest in an extended warranty
If you’re a new car owner, investing in an extended warranty is a smart decision to make. An extended warranty will protect you financially if anything unexpected occurs with your vehicle, ensuring that repairs and maintenance costs do not start adding up exponentially.
Not only will it save you money, but also additional stress and frustration – as some unforeseen car issues can be expensive for new owners who are still getting used to their car.
Additionally, some warranties even allow for roadside assistance should you ever get into an unfortunate vehicle-related situation. So make sure you consider purchasing a used car warranty to give yourself peace of mind while out on the roads!
- Get to know your car – read the manual and become familiar with all the parts of your vehicle
Being a new car owner can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of new responsibilities. One of the best ways to ensure your safety on the road is to take the time to thoroughly get to know your car.
The manual that comes with every vehicle can be an excellent resource, as it contains all the vital information regarding your car’s specs and features, including diagrams of different parts and how they function.
Not only will reading this help you prevent potential problems down the line, but it can also save you time and money because you’ll know exactly what needs to be done if something does go wrong.
By becoming familiar with all the parts of your vehicle, you can make sure that your car is performing at its highest level – and that your safety (and those of others) is never compromised.
- Keep up with regular maintenance, including oil changes, tyre rotations, and brake checks
Ensuring proper vehicle maintenance not only keeps you and others safe on the road, but it also keeps your car running smoothly. Keeping up with regular oil changes, tyre rotations, and brake checks is essential to prolonging the life of your car.
Regular, frequent engine oil changes ensure that your motor is always running in clean lubricant, helping to provide an optimum level of lubrication for the engine’s many moving parts. It is recommended to have your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or as advised by the vehicle manufacturer. Note: Carrying out oil and filter changes more frequently will help your engine to live longer and perform at its best!
Tyre rotations can help keep tyres in good condition by increasing their life span, making sure all four tyres wear evenly which results in improved grip for when you’re driving around town or on the open road.
Lastly, having brake checks carried out will ensure that your brakes are working properly and consistently, stopping you in time when needed. Don’t forget steering and suspension system checks too!
All these maintenance steps may seem like a hassle but they are definitely worth it overall!
- Don’t wait until something breaks on your car to fix it – keep an eye on potential problems and get them fixed before they cause major damage
Getting regular maintenance done on your car is essential to keeping it running smoothly for years to come. If the little problems are left unchecked, they can develop into bigger issues that end up costing a lot of money in the long-run. Make sure you do basic checks like checking oil and fluids levels every few weeks, and/or taking it in to get serviced regularly (at least once a year).
Additionally, if you start hearing strange sounds coming from your engine or something starts feeling ‘not quite right’ when you’re driving your car, take it right away to get checked out; don’t wait until something actually breaks!
Taking care of your car ensures you won’t have to deal with any unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs in the future.
- Drive defensively – be aware of other drivers around you and always use your indicators/turn signals
Driving defensively means staying alert and aware of other drivers on the road. It is imperative that you use your indicators/turn signals whenever turning or changing lanes to indicate to fellow motorists what you are about to do.
By doing so, you are helping create a smoother flow of traffic and avoiding potential accidents from occurring, as the drivers of other cars will know whether you intend to turn or switch lanes. Defensive driving requires readiness and preparation for any situation that might arise when out on the road.
This means checking your mirrors regularly, being mindful of the speed limit, and leaving plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles. Ultimately, defensive driving contributes to a safer environment for all motorists.
- Be prepared for emergencies – keep a first-aid kit and a spare tyre in your boot at all times
Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster. It’s important to keep your vehicle prepared for any of life’s surprises so that you’re never caught off guard. To make sure you’re ready, always keep a first-aid kit and a spare tyre in your boot just in case. (Note: Some modern cars do not have provision for a spare tyre, but may have an ‘emergency inflation kit’ instead. Check your car and your handbook to find out before it’s needed).
Make sure your first-aid kit is stocked with necessary medical supplies such as bandages, gauze pads, tape, antiseptic wipes, and even aspirin for headaches.
Having a spare tyre at the ready is also important – check that it is properly inflated and inspect it regularly to check for wear and deterioration.
By taking these few simple steps you can ensure safe travels knowing that you have the supplies needed should an emergency arise while on the road.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can keep your car in good condition for many years to come. Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be a hassle – just set aside some time each month to check things over and perform any necessary maintenance. And if you ever do find yourself in an emergency situation on the road, being prepared can make all the difference.