Read on to learn the car basics for beginners that’ll help you keep your car in tip-top shape and become a smart, informed driver on the road here.
Just bought your first car?
Congratulations, and welcome to the wonderful world of automotive ownership! You’ve just joined the ranks of over 91% of US households that own a vehicle.
You’ll soon realize the perks of having a car at your disposal. From the freedom and independence to the road trips and ease of travel, there’s a lot to love about it.
But there’s also a lot to learn!
Getting your head around car basics for beginners is crucial. They’ll help you stay safe, avoid preventable mechanical meltdowns, and enjoy the experience more. You’ll stand to save yourself some money as well.
Sound good? Let us help.
Keep reading for 7 car basics that every new car owner should know about.
1. Regular Servicing Is Essential
Here’s what you need to know about cars:
Sooner or later, they’re going to require maintenance work.
With lots of moving parts, the mechanics involved are bound to suffer. Throw in the everyday occasional bump that most cars will experience and maintenance work becomes even more important.
It’s your job to get the vehicle serviced on a regular basis. You should find a car manual inside somewhere. Find and check it to see what services the vehicle needs and when!
Can’t find it? View our manuals via that link. From there, book yourself in with a local mechanic to get the car booked in.
2. Don’t Forget Basic Checks
You can play a key role in avoiding unnecessary vehicle issues.
How?
By getting yourself up to speed with basic vehicle checks and DIY maintenance work. There are certain essential tasks that don’t need professional input.
Checking the oil and coolant levels provide the perfect example. Oil and coolant both play vital roles in the engine. In very simple terms, they help lubricate the motor and prevent overheating, respectively.
Make sure you do periodic checks of both. Let the levels drop too low and you’re in for trouble. Without oil, the engine’s going to stop working; without coolant, it’s going to overheat.
Keep an eye on your dashboard for warning signs and pop the hood for regular manual checks as well. You can purchase both oil and coolant from a local hardware store. Stock some in your garage for whenever the levels need topping up.
3. Pack an Emergency Roadside Kit
You’re super excited to finally have a car.
And we don’t blame you! Nothing compares to having your own set of wheels.
However, the bad news is that those wheels can, and do, break down. A whole plethora of reasons can spell disaster for your car. You could suffer a flat tire to or faulty battery, a broken clutch or a dodgy alternator.
Whatever the case, you can, and probably will break down at some point.
It’s never fun, but having an emergency roadside kit will help. This is basically a disaster readiness kit that’ll get you through all but the worst-case scenarios.
It should include things like a reflective warning triangle (or two), starter cables, a tow rope, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a warm blanket, and a fire extinguisher.
4. Have Roadside Assistance Cover
You’ll want roadside assistance as well.
It’s a genuine life-saver when you break down in the middle of no-where. Added to your insurance policy, you simply give the roadside assistance program a ring to come and help.
They’ll come to your location, figure out the issue and offer a solution. That might include towing you back to the nearest town, charging a flat battery, delivering fuel, and so on.
The exact support you get can vary with the program. Make sure you’re getting adequate support for potential problems you can face. Got an old car? Then roadside assistance is a must.
5. Have a Spare Tire
A spare tire is another essential item to have in the car.
You just never know when you’re going to get a flat. However, sod’s law would say it’d be in the most inconvenient location possible.
We guarantee you’ll be in the middle of no-where, with not a soul in sight…and probably no cell phone reception either.
Having a spare tire is key. Of course, it’s no good if you lack the tire changing tools and the knowledge for how to change it! Make sure you have all those sorted too.
A quick YouTube search should show you how to do it.
6. Check Tire Pressure
The tires that are already on your vehicle are, of course, important too.
Responsible car owners need to ensure those tires are inflated to the correct pressure (PSI). Your car suffers whether the PSI is too high or too low.
Check the owners’ manual or the tire itself to see what they need. From there, check them periodically and alter the pressure as needed at the garage.
7. Use the Correct Fuel!
Of all the things to know about cars, here’s one for total newbies:
Normal engines only run on a certain fuel: petrol or diesel.
It’s your job to fill the car up with the one it needs! Putting diesel in your petrol car, or vice versa can spell trouble for the vehicle. It happens to the best of us though.
All it takes is a simple distraction or a difficult day for the mistake to happen. In a best-case scenario you realize what you’ve done before you try and pull away.
Avoid putting the key in the ignition and/or turning on the engine. Instead, slip it into neutral, get help pushing it somewhere safe, and tell the garage what’s happened.
Call your insurer and get someone out to drain and refuel the vehicle.
Remember These Car Basics for Beginners
Buying a car is an exciting time!
Having your very own whip opens up a world of opportunities. You finally have the freedom to come and go as you please.
However, as we’ve seen, there are certain car basics for beginners to know about too. Hopefully, this post will ensure you stay safe and happy behind the wheel at all times.
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