10 Basic Car Maintenance Tips for First-Time Car Owners
Buying your first/new car is always a special experience. The long discussionsRead more
How to Keep Your Car Safe?
While car insurance protects your car from any unpredictable incident, you can still follow some basic tips to keep your car running smoothly, as prevention is always better than a cure. Thus, you must take every possible step to avoid a situation that may result in damage or loss of your car.
For starters, you must drive your car safely and responsibly. A lot of car accidents are a result of rash driving or drunk driving. Besides, driving the car while using the phone or not adhering to the traffic rules also results in several mishaps.
While scratches can be avoided by being a responsible driver, your responsibility as a car owner does not end with it. It is equally important to maintain your car and keep it in perfect condition to prolong its life. A well-maintained car is less likely to give you any trouble.
If you don't maintain or service your car regularly, you may also face future claim rejections. This is because car insurance companies expect car owners to keep their cars in good condition. So if you don't maintain your car properly, it may be considered negligence on your part, and the claim under your car policy may get rejected.
10 Basic Car Maintenance Tips for First-Time Car Owners
Every car owner should know how to maintain their four wheeler to increase its life. Since you have purchased a car for the first time, you may be unaware of the things that you should do to keep your car in perfect condition. Apart from instantly buying a new car insurance policy, here are 10 basic car maintenance tips that every first-time car owner should know:
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Refer to the Car's User Manual
Every car comes with a manufacturer's user manual that will tell you everything that you need to know about your car. Right from car specifications to its safety features, the manual can help you know a lot of things and can help you evade several minor car problems. Thus, go through the user manual as soon as you buy the vehicle and always keep it handy.
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Regularly Check the Tyre Pressure
Tyres keep your car moving, and any issue with them can literally strand your car in the middle of the road. Thus, you must check the pressure in your car's tyres regularly. If the pressure has reduced over time, immediately get the air refilled up to the recommended limit. This will help to reduce the wear & tear of the tyres and keep them in good condition for a longer time. Also, check for any punctures or cracks in the tyres from time to time so that they can be repaired before any mishap occurs.
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Look Out for Warning Lights
After you buy a car, learn to identify various warning lights on the dashboard. A car is in-built with various sensors that indicate if something in your car is out of order. For instance, a warning light will start to show if there is low fuel in your car, or if the engine oil is leaking. These warning lights can help identify several problems at an early stage, allowing you to maintain your car effectively. You can also go through the user manual to learn the meanings of these warning lights and get these problems fixed on time to avoid any mishap.
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Keep Your Car Engine Clean
Your car cannot function properly if there is an issue with its engine. It is extremely important to keep the engine clean to ensure its smooth functioning. You must be extra cautious with your car engine, as it is quite expensive to repair and replace. You should use clean fuel in your car and clean the engine regularly to keep it free from any gunk. Also, watch out for any oil leakage from the engine, as it can lead to major problems in the car. You can also stay prepared against unforeseen engine damage by buying an engine protector add-on cover under comprehensive car insurance.
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Clean the Car Battery Frequently
The battery of your car needs to be in good condition for the vehicle to run smoothly. Therefore, it is essential to clean the car battery regularly to prolong its lifespan. Learn about the location and basics of a car battery through the user manual. To clean the terminal contacts of a car battery, you must first disconnect it, starting with the negative terminal. By disconnecting the negative terminal first, you will cut off the electricity supply, preventing any mishap. Clean the terminal contacts carefully using a battery cleaning brush and reconnect them to the battery, starting with the positive terminal this time.
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Keep a Check on the Brake Fluid
The brakes of your car require brake fluid to function smoothly. Without adequate brake fluid, the brakes can stop working, which can result in a major mishap. You can know about the required level of brake fluid from the user manual. Moreover, keep an eye on the colour of your brake fluid as a darker colour indicates the need for a change of the fluid.
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Change Lubricants and Oil Filter Regularly
Your car is a machine that works smoothly with the help of lubricants. The oil absorbs the heat created due to friction and helps the car to function smoothly. However, the oil needs to be refilled on time as it may get contaminated. Moreover, your car comes with an oil filter that prevents oil contamination and keeps it clean. Just like the oil, you also need to change the oil filter regularly to remove accumulated dust and dirt.
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Keep an Eye Out for a Faulty Spark Plug
A spark plug is important to start the engine of your car. A car with a faulty spark plug can have trouble coming to life. Therefore, be vigilant for a faulty spark plug when using your car. Moreover, it is easy to identify a faulty spark plug. For instance, if your car's engine starts only after you insert the key in the ignition a few times, it indicates a faulty spark plug. Besides, uneven acceleration, a drop in your car's mileage and more vibrations & noise while idling are also signs of a faulty spark plug.
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Ensure Good Mileage of Your Car
As a car owner, take every possible step to ensure that your car gives good mileage. You can do so by keeping your car in good condition and maintaining its fuel economy. You should also avoid rash driving or frequent speed fluctuations, as they can impact the mileage. Also, avoid carrying heavy items in your car, as this will reduce its mileage.
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Change Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter of a car needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the flow of clean air inside the vehicle. Besides, it also ensures proper cooling of your car. If your car's AC is not cooling the vehicle effectively, it is a sign that you need to change the air filter. Refer to the user manual to know how to change the cabin air filter.
Summing It Up
If you are a first-time car owner, you must already have the mandatory third party insurance to cover all third-party liabilities. However, even though this insurance is mandatory, you will have to keep your car well-maintained and protected. While insurers offer a comprehensive policy along with the necessary add-ons for better coverage at an extra premium, it is your responsibility to keep your car safe from every possible risk. Whether it is buying the right car insurance policy or following certain basic maintenance tips for your car, you must do everything in your power to keep your machine in the best condition for as long as possible.
