There’s nothing quite like the excitement of buying a new car. You’re more than ready to take it out for a spin. But what if we told you that you can make that “first-time car owner” feeling last?
As a new vehicle owner, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and a little lost. If you bought a brand-new car, you’re likely thinking you won’t need to stop by the dealership for repairs anytime soon. While this may be the case, there are a variety of parts you need to check and service to keep your car running for longer. Even if you purchased a used car, you’ll still need to dedicate time and effort into making sure it looks and feels new. Today, we’re sharing six tips for new car owners. These are ways to properly take care of your car to ensure it lasts beyond “the honeymoon phase.”
Regularly service your vehicle
Your car’s maintenance schedule is going to be different from other vehicles on the road, so pay attention to your owner’s manual and visit a local qualified technician you can trust for services. Ask around and see who your family and friends recommend.
One of the most common services car owners receive is an oil change. Make sure you periodically receive oil changes, which your car will usually need every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. By taking care of your vehicle’s oil, you can put less stress on the engine. Reference your owner’s manual for more information regarding oil change intervals.
Wash
There’s no doubt that a car goes through a lot; they’re an open target to bugs, bird droppings, sun, tree sap, rain, and so much more. Unfortunately, all of this grime will eat away at your paint. That’s why we recommend washing your car once a week or once every two weeks. Use clean water and a gentle detergent. In addition to cleaning the exterior of your car, wipe down the interior, too. Use a vacuum to clean mats and seats, and sponge down any vinyl surfaces with a gentle cleaner and water.
Don’t forget to clean your engine every year or two to remove any grease or debris. All you need to do is scrub with dishwashing liquid and a soft bristle brush, and then rinse. If your engine becomes exceptionally dirty, a professional can steam clean it.
Don’t neglect the paint
While paint makes your ride look brand new, it also acts as a shield against rust. We carry OEM grade touch-up paint that will perfectly match your car’s model and make. Touch up any scratches or nicks before rust has a chance to set in.
Better yet, after you apply your paint, wax your vehicle. Professionally waxing your car will protect it from harsh UV rays, snow, salt, and more.
After you touch up your car, remember to park in the shade; sun exposure will fade your paint. When you’re home, park your car in a garage or use a cover.
Frequently replace the wipers
This is an area that many car owners overlook. Some of us like to think we can get a couple more months out of old windshield wipers, even though they leave streaks behind. If you’ve had the same wipers for six months or more, you should buy new ones. Old wipers are unsafe, and they can also damage your car’s windshield.
While you’re at it, we recommend giving your windshield a good squeegeeing the next time you visit a gas station.
Stay alert
Staying alert is a key player in new car maintenance. You need to be aware of how your car operates at all times. If you’re searching for more details regarding maintenance, your owner’s manual is going to be the best place to look. Once you gather the information you need, come up with a list of repairs. By following a comprehensive routine maintenance checklist, you can ensure you “tick all of the boxes” and keep your car in great shape. After all, taking preventive measures now can save you time and money down the road.
Make sure you always check the following:
- Tires – Check the treads for signs of wear. In addition, you’ll need to check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month. The exact inflation pressure can be found inside the driver’s door. By checking for under-inflated tires, you can avoid wasting gas.
- Brakes – Examine your brake lines and replace worn brake pads.
- Air Filter – Be sure you replace your air filter annually. You should be able to see light through it.
- Spark Plugs – Replace these as needed. If your engine doesn’t run how it should, it might be time for new ones. If you don’t check these, they’ll develop buildup.
- Fluids– Frequently check your brake fluid and make sure the cylinder is full. Transmission fluid only needs to be replaced after thousands of miles. A safe bet is to check all of your fluids on a monthly basis.
- Battery – This only needs to be changed after four or five years, but without a good battery, you won’t be able to start your car. When checking, check the inside and outside of the battery. Ensure both the battery and the cables are free of corrosion.
If you begin to notice unordinary smells, noises, or leaks, it’s time to take your car in for repairs.
Avoid driving carelessly
While we’re mainly mentioning new car maintenance tips related to cleaning, your habits greatly affect your car’s performance. Accelerate slowly; constantly racing your engine and slamming on your brakes will wreak havoc on your car’s overall health. Also, avoid potholes, which will wear down your tires. Finally, don’t let your car idle for long periods of time. This warms up the engine and can damage it.
We hope our tips for new car owners inspire you to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. By taking great care of your new ride, you can enjoy it year after year. Scratch Wizard is happy to help you maintain your car inside and out. We offer a wide range of scratch repair and cleaning products for a wide range of makes and models, so shop our inventory now. If you ever have questions, feel free to get in touch with us.
