Owning your first car is an exciting, important time. Whether it’s used or brand-new, owning a car is a significant step, and it comes with a full range of benefits, including:
- Flexibility: When you buy your first car, you immediately gain a certain amount of independence. The car is under your name, and you have full control over the vehicle. You won’t have to rely on others to give you rides or figure out when you’ll be able to drive a shared car.
- Responsibility: Owning your first car also helps you build responsibility. There is a lot to keep track of when it comes to cars, from general maintenance to staying safe on the roads, and keeping track of it all will help you become more organized and responsible.
- Independence: There is a sense of freedom that comes with owning a car. You’ll take pride in your drives and feel compelled to take care of your car to maintain your independence.
Buying a new car is an investment — that’s why it’s important to maintain its value so you can enjoy driving it for a long time and feel confident about how it functions. A trusted, reliable mechanic service can help maintain your car. Many professional services will have some first-time car owner tips for you to keep your vehicle in great shape.
10 Car Care Tips
Keeping your vehicle clean, maintaining your tires and finding a quality mechanic are all great car owner tips. With some strategies, you can effectively extend the life of your new car and take some stress off your shoulders.
1. Review the Owner’s Manual
Your car’s owner’s manual is a valuable source of information that is often overlooked. In the owner’s manual, you’ll find all kinds of quality information about your vehicle, from tire pressure levels to the meanings of those strange lights popping up on your dashboard.
2. Know Your Dashboard Lights
The owner’s manual will likely have information regarding your dashboard lights. Many people see these lights and wonder what they mean. Sometimes, those lights could indicate a significant issue with your vehicle.
Make sure you go through your manual and identify what all those lights symbolize. Tire pressure, fuel level and problems in the engine are just a few reasons those lights may pop on.
3. Track Engine Fluids and Oil Changes
A lot of fluids go into making your vehicle run — engine coolant, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid and windshield cleaner. Along with checking engine fluids, getting oil changes is a great way to protect your vehicle and keep it in ideal condition.
Waiting too long to get an oil change can have ill effects on your vehicle, so make sure you’re keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and getting those oil changes when you need them. Check your owner’s manual for more specifics on how often you should get an oil change. On average, you should change your oil every 5,000 miles.
While it’s a good idea to know the various engine fluids and oil in your vehicle, an experienced mechanic can help you check those fluids and let you know when you’ll need a refill. Keep track of when you or a mechanic change these fluids so you know when your car needs maintenance again.
4. Maintain Safe Driving Habits
Safe driving is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and keep insurance costs down. Knowing the basic rules of the road and staying a patient, alert driver will keep you and your vehicle protected. This is a simple and effective way to reduce those frustrating repairs.
Sometimes, accidents will be out of your control, but when you commit to keeping your eyes on the road and safety in mind, you’ll see just how much it can benefit you. Read up on your state’s driving safety guidelines as a refresher.
5. Clean Your Car
Make sure you’re cleaning your vehicle frequently and thoroughly — both the interior and exterior. Routine cleanings will help protect upholstery and paint and keep any large messes from building up. It will also improve your visibility on the roads, making for a safer drive.
6. Maintain Your Tires
Examine your tires every so often to see if they’re becoming worn. Check their tread depth and pressure to make sure you’re getting adequate grip and support on the roads. If you’re unsure how to do this, your mechanic will be able to help. A mechanic might also recommend you get your tires rotated, which you should do between every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Your car may also alert you about the state of your tires with those dashboard sensors. Take care of this vehicle maintenance sooner rather than later to avoid further complications, from blowouts to brake issues. Do this by filling your tires to the pressure recommended in your manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side when you open the door. Average recommendations are between 32 pounds per square inch (psi) to 35 psi.
7. Get an Emergency Kit
You never know what’s going to happen on the roads. That uncertainty is why you should always keep an emergency kit on hand that includes some of the essentials like a spare tire, bottles of water, phone charger, flashlight, a change of clothes, granola bars and blankets.
Emergency kits are great to have for road trips and in general. It will give you some added confidence should anything happen to your vehicle.
8. Keep Records and Documents for Easy Access
First-time car owner maintenance comes with a lot of responsibility. Staying organized will help you stay on top of all of the maintenance and various documents that come with owning a car. Designate a safe place to keep important documents like your car’s registration certificate, proof of insurance and service receipts. You’ll need your license, proof of insurance and your vehicle’s registration with you in case you’re pulled over.
9. Get Insurance
Auto insurance can help protect you from costs due to accidents, and in most states, it’s required by law. You’ll pay a monthly or yearly premium, and, in turn, your insurance company will cover most losses in an accident. Do your research before you choose an insurance company and get a few different quotes to review your options.
10. Choose a Trustworthy Mechanic
There is a lot to keep track of when it comes to owning a car. Some aspects — such as driving habits and cleanliness — you’ll have direct control over. Other parts, like engine workings or fluids, you may be less certain about, and that’s perfectly OK. Finding a trusted, reliable mechanic is a great way to ease some of the pressure off your shoulders and ensure your vehicle is in great condition.
A mechanic will be able to provide you with valuable information about your car as well as some great car maintenance tips.
Trust Irish Mike’s as Your Partner in Car Care
With these tips for new car owners, you can start taking the right steps toward protecting your investment.
If you’re in the Orlando, Florida, area, Irish Mike’s is the trusted car mechanic you’re looking for. Irish Mike’s Total Car Care offers world-class customer service and a variety of services, including oil changes, brake services, tune-ups, AC repair and more.
With over 25 years in the car care business, our experienced team is ready to help you gain confidence in your vehicle. Schedule an appointment today!
