So, you’ve spent months, or even years, working hard and saving up and you finally did it. You bought a car! Considering that the average price of a new vehicle has now risen above $40,000, this is no small feat.
However, just because you drove off the lot doesn’t mean the work is over. Your car is likely one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make, it’s important to protect your investment!
That said, if this is your first car, or you’re used to getting reminders from your parents, you might not know how to take care of a car. If this is the case for you, we’ve got you covered.
To learn everything you need to know about caring for a car, just keep reading!
Get The Most Out Of Fuel Stops
We’ve all done it before – you can’t leave your car while the gas is pumping, so you just start into space for however long it takes to fill up. But this time can be used wisely instead!
There are three car maintenance tasks that you can do while your car is fueling. First, use the squeegee and cleaning solution next to the pump to clean your windshield and headlights.
Next, check the tire pressure. Each tire should be neither over nor underinflated. There should be a sticker inside your driver’s side door that tells you the correct pressure.
Finally, check the oil level and add a little motor oil if needed. Save this job for last, as it takes about five minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan after the car has been running.
Follow A Maintenance Schedule
Take a look at the owner’s manual in your glove compartment. Inside, there will be a recommended maintenance schedule, including oil change, tire rotation, and fluid and part replacement.
Now, there are two options with car maintenance: DIY or going to a professional. Depending on how high-tech your car is, you might need a mechanic more often.
Regardless of which route you take, however, there are three tasks to keep at the top of your maintaining a car to-do list:
- Change the oil every 5,000 miles
- Change the air filter every 12,000 miles
- Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles
It can be helpful to keep a record of your mileage and maintenance somewhere in your car for easy reference.
Keep Your Car Clean
Learning how to care for a car means keeping it clean as well as performing maintenance tasks. A clean car is not only more pleasant to ride in, but it’s also good for the health of the paint and the interior.
Wash the exterior of your car at least once a month. If you live in a cold climate or in an area with a lot of sea salt in the air, you’ll need to do it two or three times a month.
Invest in indoor car storage and a small trash bin for your vehicle. By using these two items, you’ll never find yourself apologizing “for the mess” again!
Learn How to Take Care Of A Car To Save Money
Learning how to take care of a car takes time. You’re probably going to forget something or make a misstep now and then, and that’s okay! The important thing is to keep trying until you know your car maintenance routine like the back of your hand.
There’s a lot to keep track of, but the better you are at caring for a car, the less money you’ll have to spend on preventable repairs down the road.
Interested in learning more about keeping your car in top condition? Take a look at our blog!