Whether you just got your first set of car keys or you’ve been driving for years, there are certain vital things every driver needs to know to stay safe and keep their vehicle running.
From essential maintenance tips to legal obligations, brushing up on these critical pieces of information can help ensure a successful journey each time you get behind the wheel.
Read on for five essential pieces of knowledge every car owner should be aware of!
1.How to Check Your Oil Level
Knowing how to check the oil level in your car is essential for having a vehicle that runs smoothly. An easy way to prevent it is by looking at the dipstick on either the driver’s or passenger’s side of the engine. To accurately read the oil level, ensure your car has been off for five minutes, so you don’t get burned by hot engine parts and so the oil settles; pull out the dipstick and wipe with a clean towel or rag; then reinsert it back into its holder.
When you pull it out again, you will be able to read how high (or low) the oil level is while also getting an indication of the color and consistency of your oil – which can give clues if it’s time for an oil change.
Checking your car’s maintenance regularly can add years of life to a vehicle and save thousands in expenses down the road.
2. How to Change a Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire can be intimidating, but anyone can do it with the right tools and knowledge. Getting prepared first is critical.
Collect all the necessary tools – a lug wrench, jack, owner’s manual, and spare tire – so you don’t waste time in an emergency.
Next, ensure the car is in the parking and set the parking brake. Loosen the bolt lugs on the tire before you jack it up, and place jack stands securely under the frame for safety purposes.
Once that’s done, raise your car till the tire is several inches off the ground. Then unscrew the lugs one by one to remove the old tire and replace it with your spare.
Finally, screw back on each lug until they are tight as possible, and lower your car carefully back onto a solid surface. Now you’re ready to continue with your journey!
3. How to Jump Start a Car
Jump-starting a car is a surprisingly simple procedure that may help you out of a tricky situation if the battery in your car dies.
To start, make sure of two things: both cars have working batteries, and the hoods on both vehicles are open.
Then take out jumper cables, and while wearing protective gloves, attach one of the red clips to the positive post on your dead battery and the other to the positive post on the working car.
Do this again but attach the black clip to the negative post on the working battery. Then put the other end to an unpainted metal part on your broken-down vehicle.
Start up the running car first, then let it idle for a few minutes before turning over your engine. If nothing happens after several attempts or you hear grinding or other odd noises, discontinue immediately, as you may have flooded or otherwise damaged your starter motor.
4. How to Check Your Tire Pressure
The importance of checking your tire pressure cannot be understated – it helps ensures that your car has good fuel efficiency and, most importantly, keeps it safe while on the road.
Luckily, it’s easy to do this with a few essential tools.
First, you’ll need a tire gauge; these are available at any auto-parts store. Then, begin by unscrewing the valve caps on each tire and positioning the tire gauge against the valves.
Press down slowly but firmly until you hear air being released. Read the numbers given by the tire gauge and cross-reference with what is printed in your vehicle’s owner manual or pressure guidelines found inside of glove compartment or on the door jam driver’s side door.
If necessary, adjust your tires as prescribed in the manual, or if you find you are low on air, visit your nearest gas station to correct the inflation level.
5. How to Understand Vehicle Maintenance Schedules
Finally, car owners need to understand their vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Regularly servicing your car with a mechanic near me will help you avoid costly repairs and extend its lifespan.
Your owner’s manual should include a detailed list of all the necessary maintenance tasks and when they need to be completed. Follow this maintenance schedule closely to keep your car running smoothly!
Keep an Eye on Your Car
By remembering these five crucial pieces of information, every car owner can be better prepared for any situation on the road.
From knowing how to change a flat tire to understanding your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, these essential tips will come in handy each time you get behind the wheel.
So keep an eye on your car and stay safe out there!