Owning a car is so exciting. The first days are just so thrilling when the car is still new. Wait until you run into mechanical issues and you will know that maintaining a car and owning one are two very different things. In fact, buying a car is cheaper than maintaining one when you do not arm yourself with knowledge on how to maintaining it.
Read through these 10 basic things that every car owner should know. It will save you lots of cash, time and give you peace of mind.
1. Regular Car Maintenance
For a first-time car owner, you are clueless and car maintenance may seem an expensive affair and it’s easy to just ignore because you think your car is still new. But someone who understands vehicles knows that regular car maintenance is critical, it is expensive but all worth it. Your vehicle comes with a manual that tells you what regular services your car needs.
2. Shocks and Struts
If you halt your car and you feel your car rocking back and forth or some rattling when going over the bumps then your shocks and struts have seen better days. This is very common with older cars. It is easy to ignore this signs because they happen over time.
3. Emergency Kit and Roadside Kit
Cars have a tendency of breaking down when you least expect it so you always always need to have proper car insurance coverage. Most car owners can relate to this. It is important that you always have an emergency kit with you and that includes roadside kits as well. Always ensure that you have a First aid kit, fire extinguisher, at least three reflective warning triangles, jumper cables, flashlight, foam tire sealant, tire gauge, tow rope, duct tape, and at least a warm blanket.
4. Brakes
You have to really monitor your brakes. They are such a safety concern. If you feel your steering shaking when you step on the brakes, get them checked because it might affect your car’s stability as well as the Anti-braking system.
5. Headlights and Taillights
These two lights get dimmer with time so it’s important that you monitor them. In fact, it’s recommended that you change your headlights every year.
6. Spare Tire
A spare tire is one of those things you know you must have even if you know nothing else about cars. A spare tire comes must be accompanied by tire changing tools. Don’t forget that lest you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Make sure that you know how to change a tire as well. You can’t always be asking strangers to help, it’s not safe.
7. Vehicle Fluids
To keep your car running smoothly, you have to regularly check your car fluids. The most important being the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. While maintaining your vehicle, using genuine Toyota parts can significantly extend its lifespan and enhance performance. Unlike aftermarket alternatives, OEM parts guarantee a perfect fit and reliability you can trust for your Toyota.
8. Car Tire Pressure
Monitoring your car tire pressure is one of the most important safety measures. It is supposed to be low neither too high. When pressure is too low, it will cause friction between the tire and the ground which will make the tire wear out very fast. On the other hand, when it is too high, it will cause less traction.
9. Flashing Check Engine Light
You should immediately get your car checked if you notice the engine light flashing. That is an indication that something is seriously wrong with your car and you should not drive it. It means that there is some sort of misfire and it can lead to catalytic converter damage or a loose gas cap.
10. Good Mechanic
Besides everything else that you will need to know as a car owner, getting yourself a good mechanic will save you lots of stress. Knowing that you have someone very knowledgeable and reliable is important. Someone whom you can get hold of easily and will respond almost immediately. Do not go for the cheapest, a cheap mechanic is expensive in the long run.
11. Importance of Using a Car Cover
A custom-fit car cover is important to protect your car from the elements, dust, and debris. For example, Mustangs are luxury cars that should be kept in good condition, so using a Mustang-specific car cover can help maintain their value and appearance. A properly fitted car cover will also prevent scratches and dings from occurring. It’s important to choose a car cover made from high-quality materials that will resist water, UV rays, and mildew. By investing in a custom-fit car cover, you’re ensuring that your Mustang will stay looking like new for years to come.
Final Words
Your car is going to be probably the second most expensive investment after your home. Therefore it deserves nothing but the best care and accessories such as the best car covers and mats, superior vehicle fluids and cleaning detergents if you self-clean. You should also invest in the best car covers to protect your car when it is not in use.
Before you start working on the details, you have got to get the car real nice and clean on the outside. Most of us do this quite often, but neglect the rest of the car care makeover process. Don’t be stingy with the soap. Grab a big sponge and give your car a soapy sponge bath. When you’re done, rinse the care off well. When all of that soap is gone, you should see something close to what the car’s color was when you purchased it.
Yes, car is the second most expensive investment after the home. Therefore keeping up with the regular maintenance can help preventing costly repairs. When it comes to car performance, chip tuning is the latest trend, you should also invest in the chip tuning for an optimized performance. For any type of assistance related to chip tuning, I would recommend you to visit Hs-tronic.
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