Girls’ Guide: 6 Tips for Basic Car Maintenance

Getting your own ride is a huge step towards independence. You can easily get from place to place without wasting time on public transport and you have the freedom to choose where you want to go and when. Whether you are grocery shopping or visiting your relatives, having a car means you can be crossing town in a matter of minutes, thus saving a significant amount of time. And if you ever feel like hopping in your car spontaneously and heading off for an unplanned trip with your besties – you can do that, too!

While car ownership has a number of perks, it also comes with a list of responsibilities, one of them being car maintenance. Knowing your way around cars is crucial for staying safe while on the road and it can even help save you money. With that in mind, we have come up with a list of six tips every girl should follow when it comes to basic car maintenance.

Get to know your car

No two cars are the same – their properties differ, they perform in a distinct way, and even the problems that arise in both vehicles will be different. This is why it is important that you get to know your car. Find the owner’s manual and go through it thoroughly, making sure it’s a manual designed specifically for your car’s model. It will provide you with all the deets concerning the elements you have to check, how often you should do it, as well as a list of products that work best for your particular car. To get more valuable information, you can also go online and learn more about the basics of your vehicle.

Get your car insured

Aside from learning more about the specifics of your car, you also want to pay attention to how you use and don’t use your car. This is important when you’re getting your car insured because you want to find an option that works best for you as an individual. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to insurance, it’d be best if you’d compare car insurance quotes and find a cover that you are after. Certain car insurers will also offer optional insurance extras and have the cover tailored to the way you use your vehicle, thus saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Learn how to change a tyre

Tyre puncture is never good news. Unfortunately, it happens a lot, so knowing how to fix it is a must. For starters, it’s relatively easy, provided that you have all the necessary tools such as a jack, a lug wrench, and of course, a spare tyre to replace the old one with. These are a part of a basic vehicle maintenance package that usually comes with the car and you can find the proper procedure in the owner’s manual. Keep in mind that a spare tyre serves only as a temporary replacement and that you should get a new tyre ASAP.

Check the fluids

While it’s easier to have your dad or your boyfriend tell you when’s the right time to change the oil, you should try to remember to do so on your own. Generally speaking, the oil needs changing after every 3,000 miles – in other words, every 6 months. However, some experts suggest it can be done after 5,000 miles in case of newer cars. Aside from the oil, you should check other essential fluids in your car as well. These include brake fluid, steering fluid, washer fluid, transmission fluid, and antifreeze.

Keep ¼ tank of gas at all times

There are many reasons why you want to keep your tank of gas ¼ full at all times. The first and obvious reason is to prevent getting low on gas and being unable to fill it up. Secondly, cars performing at very low fuel levels are more prone to getting their fuel pumps damaged. The less fuel there is, the less lubricated the fuel pump is, which causes it to overheat and burn out. Finally, your fuel filter or pump can get blocked by the debris if you run your gas tank dry. Always keep it at least one-quarter full – your car will thank you for it!

Keep the inside of your car clean

Keeping your car running perfectly is essential, but you need to make sure it looks and feels just as good on the inside. Just like our desks, our cars can say a lot about our personalities, and you want to make sure that you always present yourself in the best light possible. Dust particles and unnecessary receipts aren’t going to impress anyone, so be sure to clean the interior of your car regularly so it always looks fresh and clean.

Wrapping up

Driving on your own comes with many advantages, and while certain things are better left to experts, there are always things you can tackle yourself to ensure your car is in good working order. A car that is well-maintained is a car that is reliable, and knowing that you can count on your ride once you leave the safety of your garage will give you peace of mind. In case anything unexpected happens, you’ll know the best way to deal with a situation and rely on yourself instead of others for help.