Car maintenance tips for first-time owners
If you just acquired your first vehicle, first of all, congratulations! Also, by now, you probably discovered that owning a car requires a lot of attention and care. Car maintenance is a pivotal step for keeping it in great shape. Here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Visit the car mechanic punctually
As a novice in the automotive world, you may not be familiar with the nitty-gritty of the mechanics, and what it entails. Make sure to regularly visit a specialist for inspections, maintenance and repairs. Also, try to establish a long-lasting relationship with the car mechanic: a reliable and practical source of information for any future problem you might encounter.
Look out for warning signs
To make sure that everything is running smoothly in-between your visits, make sure to always be attentive to your car. You need to closely verify the warning lights on your dashboard everytime you start-off… and make sure you understand them! Do not forget to check up on the tyres, and ensure there are no odd noises or anomalies when driving.
If you are not sure, look it up!
While every car comes with a user manual, every information you need, for any doubts you might have, is available on the internet —in the form of videos or even blog articles for example. Just as in the manufacturer’s manual, you can find the car specifications, the safety features, and even tips which can help you whenever a small problem arises. This is also great if there are words or terms in the manual that you do not understand. However do not proceed with any modifications or ‘mechanical hacks’, that may be listed online, without consulting your mechanic first.
Clean it, inside and out
Get into the habit of keeping your car clean. Indeed, there are several advantages to having a cleaning routine for your car. It not only ensures a greater resale value, it also helps for the proper functioning of your car in the long run. Oil leakage or dust for instance can severely damage your car engine and can lead to major problems.
If you don’t have a car yet and are considering a future car purchase, make sure to check out our selection or new and second-hand cars here.