Congratulations on finally buying a car! Now you can enjoy some added level of comfort. However, this doesn’t come without any obligation on your part. The expense relating to your car is not limited to the purchase price and monthly payments, but also the upkeep. But, this added expense is necessary. Plus, proper maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future.

Especially as a first-time car owner, your vehicle is going to be your pride and joy. This brings convenience not just for you, but also to your entire family as well. However, this is a costly investment and you’ll want to make it last long for you. The only way to achieve this is to apply the proper maintenance, from simple acts like adding a car cover, to bringing your car to the mechanic whenever necessary.

To learn how to do this correctly, here are some maintenance tips you can learn from:

1. Know Your Car

Before you take your car home with you, dedicate a time to assess your car. In time, you start using your car frequently, you’ll get to know more about your vehicle as well.

When you become more familiar with your car, you’ll also be attuned with the warning signs indicating an impending problem. If you already know the details on the user manual, you have better understanding on your car’s features and may not need to regularly check with a mechanic.

It’ll also be easier for you to explain to the mechanic any problem area you may have experienced with the car, so this can be solved before the problem will escalate.

2. Clean The Windshield

The windshield is one of the most important parts of your car that you need to maintain. If you have a dirty windshield, it calls for regular cleaning.

Running with a dirt-splattered windshield is a safety hazard, as you won’t have a clear view of the road. Regular cleaning of your windshield is something you can do by yourself. Remove the squeegee part of the windshield, and soak it in cleaning solution.

3. Check The Tire Pressure

If you own a newer car model, typically, a pilot light is going to warn you when there’s an existing problem. But, if you keep an older one, you also have to learn how to determine if the tire pressure is getting low.

When your tires are improperly inflated, they get worn out easily. Plus, they may not be able to run smoothly and stop quickly. Most importantly, regular checking of the tire pressure can help ensure that you’re not running more fuel than what your car typically consumes.

4. Be Diligent With Regular Maintenance Checks

As a car owner, you’re also obligated to bring your car to the mechanic for its periodic checks. These are usually mandated once every six months.

Even if you feel like there’s nothing wrong with your car or that you didn’t use it as much to warrant a full, maintenance check, going for your regular servicing is still important. When you skip these, you’re letting what could’ve been minor problems slip into becoming major, and more extensive problems.

5. Check Oil Level, And Change Or Top Off Whenever Needed

Like the tire pressure, if you’re driving newer car models, you’ll have proper warning when changing your oil levels will be necessary. You shouldn’t take this for granted. The motor or engine oil is what’s responsible for lubricating all of the moving parts in your car’s engine. Otherwise, your car’s motor parts might get so worn out because of lack of oil, to the point they get damaged.

If you’re driving an older model and there are no pilot lights yet to determine when a problem exists, you can easily check the engine oil by yourself. Use a clean paper towel and flash light. Start by locating your oil’s dipstick and pull it out. Wipe it clean with your paper towel and dip it back inside.

The dipstick usually has two marks. You can read the oil level by looking at where the oily part ends and where the dry part starts. If the oil is between the two marks or holes, then you’re still good. If it’s below the bottom mark, then you’ll have to add oil.

If you’re still unsure, it doesn’t hurt to visit your car mechanic again and ask for help.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of these important maintenance tips, you can be a more responsible car owner. Beyond the enjoyment and the road trips you take, never neglect proper maintenance. You don’t necessarily have to be a pro to do the simple things. There’s always the expert mechanics who can help you out. All these efforts will lead to enjoy your car for a longer period