If you’ve never owned a car, you’re in for a shock. While it can be great to drive four wheels wherever you want to go, it also comes with a lot of responsibility.
Unfortunately, most first-time drivers are unprepared for the realities of vehicle ownership. It seems so easy to those who already own a car, but it’s much more challenging than you might think.
In this post, we take a look at some sage advice for first-time car owners. Here’s what you need to know:
Get The Right Insurance For You
Car insurance premiums can vary wildly from one provider to another. There’s often a massive difference in the price that you pay, even for the same level of cover.
That’s why it’s so important to get the right insurance for you. Go on price comparison websites and see whether you can get a cheaper deal than the one being offered. Remember, if you go directly to an insurance company, they are unlikely to offer you the best deal. It’s only when you compare them side by side that it forces them to give you a decent price on your motor insurance.
Consult Your Handbook
Next, you’ll want to consult your handbook. You need to make sure that you’re completely confident with everything your vehicle offers before you set off.
The handbook is basically the manual for your car. It tells you everything you need to know about what it does and how it works.
The handbook is important for two things:
Telling you how often you need to service various elements in your vehicle
Telling you how to service the wheels, oil level and other parts of the car you can fix yourself
When you get a new vehicle, it’s worth taking some time to give it the once over. This way, you can make sure that you understand how it works fully.
Keep Up To Date With Maintenance Schedules
When you own a brand-new car, it’s tempting to imagine that it will last forever. It just seems so capable. However, that’s not the best approach. That’s because cars can and do eventually break down.
Keeping up with a regular service schedule saves you the hassle of breaking down at the side of the road. It also helps you maintain a good relationship with the law. Most vehicles need annual servicing after the first three years.
Drive Safely
The last thing you want as a driver is to get involved in a hit and run. Therefore, always drive safely and carefully wherever you go. It’s not worth racing, particularly if you are an inexperienced driver. Just take your time and drive sensibly. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. The more risky behaviour you engage in, the more likely it is that you’ll wind up getting into an accident.
Remember, the consequences of getting into an accident that turns out to be your fault can be severe. You might lose your licence or your premiums may go up considerably. You might also lose your car in the process and be unable to afford a replacement, depending on the make and model you own.
Keep Your Car Clean
It might sound like a simple thing, but it’s essential to keep your car clean. Making sure that it looks neat and tidy not only turns it into an object of pride, but it also means that it can work better for longer.
Keeping your car clean is much easier than you think. Just pay for a car washing service when you go shopping or take it to a drive-through car cleaning station. It’s incredibly easy to do, it’s cheap, and it’ll prevent your vehicle from accumulating damaging dirt that could shorten its life.
Make Sure That You Keep An Emergency Kit Onboard
In some countries, it’s the law to keep an emergency kit on board with you at all times. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep one with you in your vehicle. Remember, there will be times when it comes in handy.
Your emergency kit should contain the following items:
Wheel locking nut just in case you need to change the wheel (or you want a technician to do it for you)
Compression kit to assist if a tyre gets a puncture
High visibility vest
Snow chains or tyre grips for extreme weather
De-icer fluid and scraper
Torch
Warning triangle if you get stranded by the side o the road
Snow shovel
Warm clothes
First aid kit
Snacks and water
Hot drink flask
If you have all of these items, you can wait quite comfortably by the side of the road for help to arrive. You can also keep yourself and your family warm. You may also be able to dig yourself out of a sticky situation if you get into one if you have the right tools on hand. To be extra prepared, you might also want to bring a winch with you. This way, you can pull yourself out of muddy ditches without having to rely on rescue crews.
Research Local Mechanics
You’ll also want to research local mechanics operating in your area. You want someone with the skills and track record to deliver the kind of services that you need when you need help.
The best way to find a good local mechanic is to go by the recommendations of friends and family. You want someone who comes highly regarded and respected in the local community. Avoid the temptation to go to cowboys offering cheap prices. Usually, the service quality is low. If you can find a mechanic approved to work on your make and model, then it’s best to go with them for a service.
Conclusion
Preparing yourself for vehicle ownership can take a long time. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that you have everything in place before you go out on the road. You don’t want to find yourself in a difficult situation after buying your first car. Everything should work smoothly and perfectly the first time around.
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