Owning a car is a good thing. The first days with the car are just so thrilling, and you will want to drive around and show it to family and friends.
However, that excitement may soon fade away if you do not know what you need in the car, how basic stuff works, and how to care for it.
While you don’t need to know everything about your car, understanding some of the basic elements can help you make the experience of owning a vehicle less intimidating. Here are five things you should know as a car owner.
- Know the year, make, model, and VIN of your car.
The very first thing you need to know about your car is the make, its specific model, and the year it was manufactured.
Additionally, you need to know your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a 17-digit number often found on the driver’s side, where the windshield meets the dashboard.
Knowing the year, make, model and the VIN of your car is essential mainly because parts, fluids, and the accessories you need to maintain and repair your vehicle are available based on this information. Your auto insurance company will also need this information when providing a quote for your policy.
- Car insurance
Buying auto insurance is a requirement in nearly every state. A good car insurance policy will help protect you and others in the unfortunate event of an accident. In simple terms, it will take care of vehicle towing, replacements, repairs and cover the costs of damages to other road users.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, read this guide to learn how to find out if someone has car insurance and pursue compensation with the help of an attorney.
- Understand your tires
Tires form a vital part of your car. If they are not in good shape or if you don’t have the right ones, you won’t get anywhere with your vehicle.
Therefore, learn how to identify a good tire brand, notice when the tire is leaking, and monitor the tires for correct air pressure. Additionally, perfect the art of changing tires and always have the right tools, such as a tire sensor kit, spare tire, and a car jack, in your car at all times; you never know when you will need them.
- Headlights and taillights
Most first-time car owners don’t know that headlights and taillights tend to get dimmer with time. For that reason, it is vital to monitor and inspect them every often and have them changed or repaired as soon as you realize they need attention. Doing this will help you avoid any hazardous circumstances that may result from the poor condition of the vehicle’s lighting system.
- Vehicle fluids
Another essential element of your car you need to understand is the vehicle fluids. Keeping up the car fluids is critical to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
There are so many car fluids that should be topped up or replaced at varying intervals based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
For instance, changing engine oil should be done every 5,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. Changing vehicle fluids should not be limited to engine oil. Others may include:
- Windshield washer fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Coolant
Whether you just bought your first car or are a seasoned driver, these five essential things can help you handle the most common issues with your vehicle and build your confidence while on the road. However, don’t forget that you can learn so much more from your trusted mechanic, friend, or the Internet.
