Owning a car is a luxury that not many people can afford. With every day that goes by, individuals from different parts of the world invest their money in both older and newer bodies of machinery with pride and jovial energy. However, here’s the crazy part—they don’t understand the sheer responsibilities that involve car ownership.
As both a mechanic and every day driver, below is what I’d advise a new car owner:
- Check Water(Coolant) Levels:
Purpose: Your car cooling system helps prevent your engine from overheating and also helps protect against freezing and corrosion.
What To Do: Remember, only check when the engine is completely cold—safety is important in automotive. Check your coolant reservoir: if coolant is on the High marking, let it be. However, if it is below that mark or closer to the Low marking, add some more coolant. Also check if there’s coolant in your radiator by opening the cap on top. Make sure to close it up afterward.
Warning: Opening the radiator cap or reservoir when the engine is hot might cause severe burns. The friction from the engine causes heat, and in turn, the water does get hot—you’re too smart to not prevent this.
- Check Oil:
Purpose:Lubricated engines aren’t just smooth, they prevent friction and excessive water .
How: Park on a flat surface—your car shouldn’t be posing, okay? No flexing.
Next, open your bonnet before checking the condition of your oil via your dipstick. Like the water reservoir, it too has markings. If it’s on Low, add the required amount of Engine oil. Don’t add excessively.
Color Check: Clean oil is golden-brown. However, the more your car moves, the darker it gets. If it gets thick—Brother Benard, why would you let it get thick?
- Don’t Skip Service:
Purpose: Having routine professional inspections will not only catch the minor problems before they escalate, it will also help you save money. The car should be checked for rusting, leaks, and noises as ignoring these things might not only be expensive—it can also get dangerous for you and other road users.
Benefits: Regular inspection will ensure better performance, better safety, and also higher resale value. No one is willing to buy scrap—unless they plan on working on it.
- Check Tire Pressure:
Purpose:Under-inflated tires increase fuel consumption, wear out faster, and will eventually make it harder to handle the vehicle.
How: Use a tire pressure gauge on “cold” tires(parked for at least 3-4 hours). The recommended PSI is typically found on stickers inside the driver-side door jamb. Adjust pressure as needed using a compressor(often found at service stations).
Frequency: At least once a month, after using an uneven road, or before a long road trip.
- Test Braking System:
Purpose: Ensure your car can stop safely, or predictably.
What To Look Out For:
–Unusual sounds
-A “spongy” sinking braking pedal, or vibration when pressing on the pedal
-The car pulling to the side when pressing on the pedal
- Check For Leaks:
Purpose: Locating and identifying the puddle underneath your car will not only keep your vehicle from severe damage, it will also keep your wallet from draining.
What To Look Out For:
-Bright Green/Orange/Pink/Reddish: Usually coolant
-Dark Brown/Black: Typically engine oil.
-Red/Brown: Usually transmission or power steering fluid.
-Yellow/Clear/Light Brown: Could be brake fluid (slippery).
If you use water(like myself), you should be weary of puddles underneath your radiator, coolant reservoir, or pipe line—you know how water leaks appear.
- Make Sure Insurance Is Valid:
Purpose: Insurance companies will act like the big dogs in times of trouble. They’ll protect you financially in case of theft, accidents, fire, and third party liabilities.
Importance: Driving without valid insurance is illegal in most jurisdictions and leaves you personally liable for potentially massive costs if you are involved in an accident. Always keep a digital or physical copy of your current policy in your vehicle and set a calendar reminder for your renewal date.
- Don’t Drive Like An Animal:
Purpose And Importance: Driving like a normal, and calm individual will not only save you from the police, and debt—it will also protect the lives of yourself and those on the road, as well.
You’re not in fast and furious, babe.
- Regular Washes:
Purpose and Importance: Keeping your car looking fresh doesn’t only give you pride, it also helps retain the paint.
In conclusion, owning a car is a big part of adulthood. Don’t let people make you feel any less proud of your achievement. They can only laugh at you if you treat it poorly. Look out for your baby before it decides to give up on you.