Things Every New Car Owner Should Know

Buying your first car is an exciting time in any person’s life. Owning a car gives you freedom, but with that comes a lot of responsibility. Owning a car means that you have to keep it regularly maintained and in great shape, so you can stay safe and preserve your investment. Here are a couple of things you should know how to do when you buy your first car.

Change a Flat Tire

Many car owners assume that the tools that come with their spare tire are sufficient for changing a flat tire, but that’s not always the case. Get some first-hand experience with changing a flat tire so you know if you need to buy any additional tools to make it easier. Read your owner’s manual and make sure you’re familiar with the process of changing a tire before you head out on the road.

Fill Wiper Fluid

Filling up the wiper fluid container is pretty simple – as long as you know where it is. Open up the hood of your car and find the wiper fluid tank, and practice opening and closing it properly. Keeping wiper fluid levels up is important in every season for helping you see out of your windshield properly.

Know Where the Battery Is

While you’ve got the hood open looking for your wiper fluid container, take a look at your battery as well. Depending on the make, model and age of your car, your battery might be easily accessible and identifiable – or it might be covered by hoses. After identifying your battery, make sure you know how to use jumper cables in case it dies. You can check your owner’s manual for instructions if you’re unsure.

Check Tire Pressure

A deflated tire can be very dangerous and can cause a serious accident. Plus, deflated tires slow your car down and cause your engine to use more gas than usual. If your car is brand new, it probably has a tire pressure monitor on the dashboard. Make sure you know what it looks like, and that you know how to inflate your tires. Your owner’s manual should state the standard tire inflation pressure recommended for your car.

Check Oil Levels

Oil changes are a pretty common service at any auto repair shop, but it’s also a good idea to know how to check your oil levels in case you can’t get to one. Check your owner’s manual for the type and amount of oil required for your car, as well as any instructions for changing the oil. Identify where your oil goes into your engine and only ever check the level after your engine has cooled down. The dipstick in the oil will have markings on it to tell you where the oil levels should be.

At Logel’s Auto Parts, we believe in making the process of selling your car simple. If you’re looking to sell your car, learn more about the process at Logel’s and get a free quote!