Owning a car is exciting, freeing, and, if we’re honest, a little daunting. Yes, we all know about keeping up with oil changes and filling the tank, but there’s a lot more to responsible car ownership than what you’ll find in the owner’s manual (and what common sense tells you, come to that). It’s always worth learning as much as you can about what it takes to really look after your car and be safe on the road, and with that in mind, here are some of the overlooked essentials of car ownership everyone should know – read on to find out more.
Routine Maintenance Isn’t Optional
We’ll start with something really basic – regular maintenance for your car. It might not be all that exciting, and it can be very expensive, but it’s all part of owning a car and it’s something you can’t put off if you want to stay safe and keep your car in the best condition. Things like rotating the tyres, checking the brakes, and topping up the various fluids can all make a major difference and save you from costly repairs later on.
It’s best not to wait for warning lights to come on and get into the habit of scheduling routine check-ups once a year or so (more if you do more miles). Plus, it’s wise to keep an eye on your tyres because proper inflation and tread depth don’t just keep you safe, they’re a great way to improve fuel efficiency too.
Be Prepared For The Unexpected
Even the best drivers come up against the occasional flat tyre, dead battery, or other issue on the road (or before you even get out on the road in some cases), and that’s what it’s important to have an emergency kit in your car for the times when you need a bit of help getting started. You’ll want to include jumper cables, a torch, tyre pressure gauge, a first aid kit, blankets, water, and a list of emergency numbers at the very least.
And on the subject of being prepared, make sure you know what to do in case of an accident. You’ll need to exchange insurance details and document the scene as best you can, and it’s a good idea to have the details of a good car accident lawyer handy, just in case that’s a route you need to go down.
Your Driving Habits Matter
Did you know that how you drive actually has a big impact on your car’s lifespan? Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, speeding, and all the other things you shouldn’t be doing can be terrible for your car, and even if they get you where you’re going a little bit faster, in the end you’ll pay the price because of the extra maintenance you’ll need to have done on your car.
Smooth, steady driving isn’t just a safer way to go about things, it’s better for your car’s engine, tyres, and even fuel efficiency, and in the end it’s going to save you money at the pump and reduce wear and tear over time which means your car will last longer. That’s got to be worth slowing down and taking more care for.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
