When you own a car, you need to bear in mind the necessity
of regular maintenance. While most
mechanics will persuade you that you need their specialist knowledge to get the
job done, that’s not always the case. There are a number of ways you can easily
check and maintain your car so that you need to visit your mechanic less
frequently than they would like.
Here we tell you 10 things about your car maintenance that
your mechanic would prefer you not to know:
#1 Initial Setup of
Your Car
Every year there is new technology featured in cars that
requires a little input from the owner to setup. Things like keyless entry,
comfort settings, delayed lighting and even sound system settings all need to
be setup when the car is purchased, even when used, so that everything is
personalized to your preferences.
Many people feel so daunted by the prospect of working out
how to set up such things as Bluetooth that they leave it to a mechanic.
Although it’s true to say that without the guidance of your owners’ manual, it
may be complex, you can source everything you need to know fromnumerous online sources relating to
your car’s make and model.
#2 Checking Your
Fluids
There are several fluids used to ensure smooth driving which
need to be checked on a regular basis so they’re all full to the necessary
limits. Using a dipstick isn’t rocket science but you do need to know where to
locate the fluid containers in the engine such as water and oil. The location
of fluid containers can vary considerably from model to model, so it should be
one of the first things you look for when you get a new car.
#3 Advice for Better
Driving Practices
No matter whether new or used, any car you’re new to driving
will need a breaking-in period, particularly if it’s fresh off the forecourt.
Generally speaking, new cars have a break-in period of around 1,000 miles
although there will be more definitive information in your owner’s manual. It’s
worth consulting the manual to find out the ways you can maximize performance
of your car through improved driving practices too.
#4 How to
Troubleshoot Common Problems
There are some common problems you may or may not be faced
with. Such things aschanging a tire or jump starting the
engineare well worth knowing how to carry out safely, particularly if
you live in a rural area. Most owners’ manuals include very clear and easy
instructions on how to deal with these common problems on your own.
Familiarizing yourself with these procedures is essential as part of being a
responsible car owner.
#5 Access Technical
Data Easily
It’s always useful to know the technical aspects of your car
which is often needed for insurance purposes or for a quote for considerable
work to it should the need arise. This kind of technical information is usually
available in the manual but if you have bought used and there isn’t one
available, there are plenty of online resources.
#6 Maintain Ideal
Tire Pressure
Keeping the tires inflated to the right pressure is crucial
in ensuring your car handles safely. When there is one tire putting the others
out of whack by being flatter than the rest, your car can be very dangerous to
drive. The correct tire pressure will be noted in your owners’ manual and some
service stations have charts next to the air machines to use as a guideline.
#7 Clean and Protect
Your Car’s Surfaces
Of course your car is your pride and joy and so you want it
to be shiny like new all the time. Although most people pay attention to the
outside of their car, they can sometimes neglect the interior. If you have
leather seats you’ll need to invest in special cleaning fluid to maintain its
finish. Chrome or wood accents will each need their own kind of cleaner to keep
in pristine condition. Not only does regular cleaning keep a car looking brand
new for longer, it will increase its price when you come to sell it.
#8 Find Out what the
Gizmos Do
Every car is different but there are generally some buttons
you don’t explore when you’re initially getting to know its driving qualities.
Although randomly flicking switches and pressing buttons while you’re driving
is tempting, it’s also very dangerous. Always check out what gizmos your car
has on offer but do so from a stationary position! Even knowing how to get the
reverse gear in your car is important when it’s all new to you.
#9 Deciphering
Warning Lights
Most cars have quite a few warning lights and they’re there
for a reason! It’s always a good idea to check the warning light system of your
new car when you first get it so that you can understand what any mean if they
should display while you’re driving. Even a warning light telling you that the
trunk is not shut properly can be a distraction when driving so knowing what
warning lights are located where is important.
#10 Know what your
Warranty Covers
When you have issues with your new vehicle, you should know
what is covered by the manufacturer or the dealer when it comes to fixing
repairs. The details of your warranty should be made very clear to you when you
purchase the car and many people include this as part of their initial
negotiations on the sale. It’s important that you have in black and white what
your warranty will cover and what it won’t before signing on the dotted line.
Your car is one of your biggest assets and many of us are
totally reliant on them on a daily basis.Learn more how to correctly maintain yours and
you won’t need to make unnecessary and expensive visits to mechanics any
longer. Most of the regular maintenance checks you have to carry out have been
covered in this article and we hope you can see for yourself that you don’t
need mechanical experience for any of them.