8 Car Maintenance Tips For Beginners To Save Time and Money!

Posted on: Jan 10, 2022 | | Written by: None

8 Car Maintenance Tips For Beginners To Save Time and Money!

Buying your first car can be a daunting affair, but it can also provide you with that sense of freedom you have been longing for. Whether you are a teen driver who just got a driving license or someone who purchased the first car, there are a few things you need to know about your vehicle’s maintenance. This way, you will never get stranded helplessly on a strange road. From checking tyre pressure regularly to buying comprehensive insurance for financial protection against unforeseen events, here are 8 things you need to keep in mind.

1. Checking tyre pressure and rotation:

The first and most basic thing you must know about is how to check tyre pressure. Many new cars come with integrated tyre pressure monitoring systems. This reflects tyre pressure on the multi-function display in the car's instrument panel. You should also buy a tyre pressure gauge for manual checks. It is important to learn how to measure the tread depth of the tyre and rotate your tyres so that they wear in an even manner.

2. Tyre puncture checking and changing the tyre:

Even though most modern cars come with tubeless tyres, these still get punctures. It is very important to know how to check if your tyre has a puncture in it and, if possible, fix it yourself. One big advantage of tubeless tyres is that fixing their punctures is usually easy. Besides, if all else fails, you still need to know how to change the tyre, so you can mount the spare wheel.

3. Checking engine oil level:

Engine oil is the most important consumable of your vehicle that needs to be replaced as per a schedule given by the vehicle manufacturer. It is what keeps your engine in good running condition and prevents the risk of engine seizure. It is an integral part of car servicing. Car makers provide instructions about how to measure engine oil levels and how to change it yourself.

4. Changing the air filter of your car:

The air filter of your car is another very important part that you must know about. Considering the dusty driving conditions of Indian roads, you must make it a habit to check and clean the air filter of your car regularly. Generally, it just requires you to pop the hood, locate and open the air filter holder, blow some pressurised air to clean it, and put the filter back.

5. Buying car insurance online:

Take a break from the age-old trend of buying comprehensive insurance for cars through agents. Go for the online method. If you want to save money on car insurance, get your policy renewed fast and or ensure that your policy comes with all the required add-ons, learn how to buy comprehensive insurance for cars online. Most insurers allow you to follow a few easy steps on their website to do it.

6. Jump-starting a car:

While car batteries tend to last years, sometimes, you may just get unlucky. If you leave the lights of your car running or if your battery is on its last legs, it might fail to start your car. In such a condition, you will need to know how to jump-start a car. Jump starting a car requires you to use jump leads to get current from a different battery and power the starter motor of your car.

7. Checking and changing brake pads:

When you regularly use your vehicle, its brake pads tend to wear off. Hence, it is extremely important to know how to identify if the brake pads of your vehicle have started to wear off. Generally, if you hear screeching noises when you press the brake pedal, it is time for you to check the brake pads. It is best to change the pads once the screeching starts because it might lead to a risk of disk wear if not changed in time.

8. Checking and changing spark plugs:

With time, grime and dirt, as well as carbon deposits, begin to show up on your spark plugs. This can lead to loss of performance, which first kills the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and gradually kills the spark plugs completely, making it impossible to start your car. It is best to clean your spark plugs regularly.

All in all, remember that regular maintenance of your car can save you a lot of money you would have otherwise paid to get it fixed in the market. Further, non-maintenance can lead to mechanical and electrical breakdowns that are not covered under comprehensive insurance. Thus, learning how to inspect and fix basic problems can save you a lot of time and money.

Basic Car Maintenance Tips For Beginners

Here are some car maintenance hacks for beginners that will ensure the complete smoothness of car drives:

• Regular Oil Changes:

Change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and that will keep your engine going smoothly and lubricated.

• Check Tyre Pressure:

Another good practice would be making sure that tyre pressure levels are always kept in check for fine fuel efficiency and safety.

• Inspect Brakes:

That would include checking the brake pads from time to time and also seeing the brake fluid levels available in the chamber to enable safe parking or stopping.

• Change Air Filters:

Make it a routine to change the air filters of your car after driving between 12,000 and 15,000 miles as the components wear out to make efficiency better in the engine.

• Fluid Level Checks:

Have a routine inspection of coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels.

• car insurance Reviews:

Always have a car insurance policy that will suffice your needs, including a third-party car insurance policy to save yourself financially in case of any damages or losses.

Benefits of Car Maintenance

Car maintenance is an essential aspect of keeping the vehicle in its prime condition. The following are the priority functions:

• Improved safety:

Checks reduce the possibility of accidents.

• Better performance:

Engine performance is guaranteed.

• Improved fuel economy:

Lesser fuel consumption by well-kept cars.

• Extended lifespan:

Prevents minor issues from turning into major repairs.

• Higher resale value:

Keeps the market value of the vehicle.

• Reduced repair costs:

Saves money by catching the problem early.

• Better driving experience:

Smoother driving.

• Warranty compliance:

Serves as a requirement for car insurance coverage.

• Peace of mind:

You can drive with confidence, knowing your car is properly maintained.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are a few important car maintenance tips for beginners?

The most significant preventive measures are regular oil changes, checking tyre pressure, and inspecting brakes.

2. How does maintaining a car affect insurance?

Proper maintenance would help lower the cost of repairs and consequently possibly reduce any car insurance premium instead of just third-party car insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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