7 Car Maintenance Tips for New Drivers
Congratulations on getting your driver’s license or first car. You are now legally allowed to enjoy the freedom that comes with driving. But with this freedom comes great responsibility such as driving at a safe speed and maintaining your car so that it can run for long periods.
Whether you are a new or experienced driver, here are seven car components that need regular maintenance to help you keep your car in optimal condition:
Tyres
Your tyres have a serious impact on car handling, especially when you are driving in stormy weather or on rough terrain. Checking and maintaining your car tyres Tottenham can be an important part of maintaining your car's safety.
Proper tyre tread depth and tyre inflation are the two main factors of handling and performance. Checking your tyre treads can be done with just some spare change. To know the right inflation level for tyres, look for a label on the inside of the driver’s door. Check tyre pressure every two to three gas fill-ups.
Rotating your tyres is also an important car maintenance service. Consider tyre rotation every time you change the car’s engine oil. In addition, check the wheel alignment once a year. These things will make sure your car offers its peak performance.
Tip: Learn to change a flat tyre before you have one. It is not something you want to figure out in an emergency. You can take an auto club membership or check your car insurance policy to see if your coverage includes roadside assistance.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are made from soft rubber and over time they become solid and hard so you need to check and replace them if necessary. Word blades leave streaks that are difficult to see through, creating unnecessary driving problems.
If you are a new driver, bought a new car or don’t have experience driving in rough conditions, this problem can become problematic.
Make a habit of checking your wiper blades regularly and consider replacing them once a year, if you see any damage, wear and tear and how frequently you drive your car.
Tip: Learn to replace blades by yourself. Paying a mechanic may not be necessary for this simple car maintenance task. Many major car parts stores will replace them for your on-site. Keep blades clean by using warm soapy water or washer fluid to wash them.
Windshield Washer Fluid
On snowy, icy, rainy or buggy days, even the best wiper blades won’t work if you don’t have the right windshield washer fluid. Pay close attention to your fluid warning monitor.
Fill the washer fluid tank every month or when the warning sign appears, and use the right product for the conditions you drive in. For instance, if you are driving in freezing weather, change to a de-icing formula.
You might also need to apply a water-beading coating to your windshield. It may improve visibility when driving in extreme weather like heavy rain or extreme snowfall.
Tip: Keep an extra supply of washer fluid in your truck so you are prepared in case you run out of fluids during a road trip.
Oil
Some new drivers don’t realize they need to spend money on engine oil. This is the reason they may let the Check Oil warning light stay on too long, which could lead to costly engine damage.
The oil keeps your engine parts moving with less friction, but over time it gets contaminated and needs oil replacement to keep your engine running smoothly. Having the oil changed by a mechanic is one of your most important car maintenance tasks.
To know how often you should do this for your car, check your owner’s manual. In every six months or 5,000 miles whichever comes first, but it can vary depending on the vehicle and oil additives.
Tip: Check your oil level once a month, if you see drips quickly it might be a sign of a bigger problem.
Brake Pads
Most modern cars now have disc brakes, which use ceramic pads that press against metal discs to stop the car. These pads wear out over time as you often use them, which impacts braking ability.
Listen carefully for irregularities or steady squeaks or squeals when using your brakes. These sounds normally signal that your brakes need to be serviced. Also, check your brake pads regularly same as you do the tyre rotation. Change them when your mechanic recommends them, because they may no longer work prope
rly.
Tip: Get recommendations and check ratings and reviews online before you choose your mechanic to service your car. Ensure to ask for an estimate quotation before work is started.
The most important thing to do is follow your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules. If a dashboard warning light appears such as TPMS shows low tyre pressure then inflate all Continental tyres Tottenham for safe driving. Take immediate action by first evaluating the problem.
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