Are you driving a new car for the first time? Do you have no idea how to care for it?
Owning a car is a huge responsibility. The car is expected to last for years and you can use it on many trips. Without proper car maintenance, you can lose your car before you’re ready to upgrade.
The practice of car maintenance can range from simple car detailing at regular intervals to ensuring that the engine and other components work well. Considering how extensive car care is, it may seem like you don’t have the necessary technical know-how, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Read on for a few simple car maintenance tips for new drivers.
1. Change Your Oil
How often you need to change your oil depends on the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive it, and what type of oil you use. However, most mechanics recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
If you’re not sure when you last changed your oil, it’s probably time to do it again.
2. Test Your Battery
A car battery typically lasts around four years, but driving conditions and climate can affect this. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, your battery may not last as long. Checking your battery regularly will help you extend its life.
Replacing your battery every four years will help ensure that your car starts and runs properly.
3. Inspect the Coolant Level
Coolant helps keep your engine from overheating, so it’s essential to be sure it’s at the right level. The coolant level should be at or above the “full” line on the reservoir.
If it’s low, add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water until it reaches the “full” line.
4. Verify Your Engine Oil Level
With today’s engines, it’s important to have the right amount of oil, as too little can cause problems. Checking your engine oil level is easy and only takes a minute or two.
The oil should be at the full line on the dipstick. If not, add more oil until it reaches the correct level.
5. Inspect Your Hoses and Belts
Inspect your hoses and belts and check for any cracks, leaks, or damage. If you see any, replace the hose or belt immediately. If the hose or belt looks worn but isn’t damaged, it’s probably time to replace it.
To be safe, check your owner’s manual for recommendations on when to replace hoses and belts.
6. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
One of the most basic automotive maintenance tips for new drivers is to keep their tires properly inflated and check for tread wear. This is important because, if tires are not properly inflated, they can cause decreased fuel economy and stability issues.
Also, if tread wear is present, it can cause reduced traction, which can be dangerous.
7. Change Your Cabin Air Filter Regularly
One thing that you should be sure to do regularly is changing your cabin air filter. A cabin air filter ensures that the air inside your car is clean and free of pollen, dust, and other allergens.
By changing your filter regularly, you can help to improve your breathing and reduce your risk of allergies.
8. Check Your Car’s Exhaust System
The exhaust system is responsible for exhausting waste gases away from the engine. It also helps to keep the engine running at cooler temperatures. Over time, the exhaust system can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause the engine to overheat. Plus, there is also a chance of wear and tear of the exhaust pipes. Wear and tear, as well as cracks in the exhaust pipe, can lead to toxic exhaust gases entering the interior of the vehicle, which can be dangerous for both the passengers and the environment.
In such a case, you can either weld them if you already know how to weld an exhaust, or simply reach out to a mechanic near you who can assist in fixing the problem of the car.
9. Regularly Check Your Brake Pads and Discs
The exhaust system has an important job – it gets rid of the waste gases from the engine. It also helps the engine stay cool. As time goes by, the exhaust system can get blocked with dirt and stuff, which might make the engine get too hot. And, the pipes in the exhaust system can also get damaged from regular use. When these pipes wear down or get cracks, harmful gases can get into the car, which is bad for the people inside and the environment.
If you notice this happening, you have a couple of options to consider. In case you have the knowledge of how to weld an exhaust pipe, you can do it yourself. On the other hand, if you don’t know, you can take your car to a mechanic who can help fix the problem.
10. Keep Your Wiper Blades in Good Condition
Always keep your windshield clean to help extend the life of your wiper blades. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you must remove the snow from your wipers before using them.
Always check your wiper blades for cracks or damage before using them.
Follow These Car Maintenance Tips
As a new driver, it’s essential to be familiar with basic automotive maintenance. You must check your oil and coolant level, tire pressure, brake pads, air filter, hoses and belts, wiper blades, and battery. If you have any problems with your car, don’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out.
Following these simple tips, you can help keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Are you interested in learning more tips? Continue reading our blogs.