5 Ways to Maintain Your Car for New Drivers

Your first car is one of the first major purchases and responsibilities you’ll have in your life. Taking good care of your vehicle is imperative, as proper maintenance can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Learn about the essential ways to maintain your car.

Wash Your Car

Something you’ll want to do regularly is wash your car. Washing your car frequently won’t just keep it clean—it’ll help prevent rust as well. You can do it at home yourself or visit a car wash for convenience. Keep your car looking nice and shiny so it can last for years to come.

Check the Oil

Another way to maintain your car is to check your oil routinely. Oil is crucial to an engine: without it, your engine won’t function properly. In a worst case scenario, frequently driving with low oil levels could destroy your engine and cost you your car entirely. As such, you’ll want to check your oil regularly. Make sure your car is level when you check the dip stick for an accurate reading. It’s also recommended that you check your oil after you haven’t started your car in a while, such as after a long vacation.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is an important component of your car engine’s power. According to Pep Boys, you should “change your air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or [every] 12 months, whichever comes first.” Like your engine oil, you can easily check your air filter at home and replace it yourself if necessary. If you don’t know where your air filter is, you can check your owner’s manual.

Check the Tires

Your car’s tires are always at risk of damage on the roads, which is why you should check the tire pressure occasionally. In order to check the tire pressure, insert a tire pressure gauge into the tires’ valve stems. Then compare the PSI (pounds per square inch) reading to the one listed on the inside of the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. If the tire pressure is low, you’ll want to fill the tire with more air and then check it for potential sources of leaks, such as nails.

Repair Damages

Damage to your car—especially minor dinks—is inevitable. Make sure you repair any minimal damage you can take care of yourself and to take the car into a shop for more extensive repairs. This can save you a lot of money, as allowing damage to go unrepaired can cause more problems and cost you more money in the long run.