Are you finally getting your first car? Besides being transportation, owning your first car symbolises financial independence and achievement. Whether it’s new or pre-owned, you must care for it to ensure longevity.
As a first-time car owner, you might not yet know how to safeguard your vehicle. Most new owners read the manual, but if the manual is missing, as with a used car, research or consult family and friends for advice.
If you’re unsure where to turn, here are essential tips for protecting your first car.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
When you buy a brand-new car, there’s a recommended service schedule that comes in the manual. On the other hand, if it’s second-hand, you can ask the previous owner about the maintenance schedule they have been following for the time they have had the car.
Some of the maintenance tasks include oil change, changing of windshield wipers, tire checking, and brake inspections. If these routine maintenance tasks aren’t followed, you might end up spending more in the future.
2. Park in Safe, Shaded Areas
Every time you park your car, ensure that it’s in a safe, shaded area. When at home, ensure that your parking space is ideal to keep your car safe from UV damage and other external damage it may incur. Meanwhile, if you’re outside, choosing your parking wisely is also essential to prevent dealing with various damage.
3. Invest in a Good-quality Car Cover
If you’re parking space at home isn’t reliable enough, such as not having a roof or an open area, investing in a high-quality car cover is a must. It can protect your car from scratches, dirt, dust, and bird droppings.
When looking for the perfect car cover, ensure that it’s weather-proof and that it can fit your car well. In addition, avoid buying the cheapest one because it may not last long.
4. Protect Your Car’s Paint
As mentioned, one of the things that can damage the exterior of the car is the UV rays. Whether the car is brand new or preloved, being continuously exposed to the sun can damage its paint. So, aside from parking it in a safe space, you should also practise other ways to take care of your car’s paint. Some of these include removing dirt, applying wax, and avoiding the automatic car wash.
5. Check Tire Pressure and Condition
The tyres are one of the things that can significantly impact your car’s safety. So, as the owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the tyres are in good condition and the pressure is alright.
In addition, at least once a month, or whenever you’re about to go on a long trip, have your tyres professionally checked. Besides, you may not be aware that your tyres are overused, so someone should inform you about it.
6. Secure Your Car Against Theft
Thieves are always present everywhere, so securing your car by adding an anti-theft device, closing windows and locking the doors at all times, avoiding leaving valuable items, and availing of auto insurance is a must. When it comes to getting one, you should look for a reliable insurance adviser to help you get comprehensive insurance within your price range.
Whether your car is always parked outside or not, you should still practise these things, especially since it’s your first time being a car owner.
7. Drive Carefully
Even if you already have a licence, it takes a while to get used to driving your new car, especially if you don’t drive often. So, avoid driving aggressively, even if you’re too excited to take your new car home.
While driving home, you can take the route that you’re comfortable with, or the one you often take when driving. This allows you to feel safe and prevents being nervous.
8. Keep the Interior Clean
Although the outside part of the car is the one that others often see, you shouldn’t neglect the interior of your car. In doing so, always remove the garbage, vacuum and wipe the surface, avoid eating inside, use a sunshade, and maintain the odour and fix damages often.
Keeping the interior of your car in order can significantly help in ensuring that it lasts longer.
9. Learn Basic Car Care
Knowing basic car care can also help you take care of your car in the long run. Some of these include how to jump-start a battery, check the oil levels, refill the windshield with water, and change a flat tyre. The more you know, the less worry you’ll have whenever you encounter emergencies.
10. Utilise Secure Car Storage
As a first-time car owner, leaving your car for a long time may seem so hard. So, whether you’re having a vacation or just a few days that you need to leave your car, looking for secure car storage is recommended. Secure car storage allows you to have peace of mind since it usually has surveillance cameras, gated access, and alarm systems.
Final Thoughts
Your first car can have a significant meaning to you, and knowing the things you can do to protect it is a must. By considering the tips listed in this article, you can ensure that your car will last longer.
