Getting your license is a pretty exciting life accomplishment. You can now take yourself anywhere you want without having to ask anyone for a ride. However, being a driver comes with a major responsibility: safety. Part of safe driving involves taking good care of your vehicle or your parents’ vehicle. For insight on how to do this, read the essential car care for new drivers we provide below.
Tire Inspection
Your tires are one of the most important features of your car. Without them, you can’t go anywhere! It’s important to regularly care for them by making tire inspections part of your driving routine. Here are a few steps to take when inspecting your tires:
- Check for cracks, bulges, or foreign objects on or around your tires.
- Check for tread depth and uneven wear.
- Check your tires’ pressure and adjust it, if needed.
Wheel Alignments
The next car care tip is to stay on track of your vehicle’s wheel alignments. They are an essential part of safe driving. It’s recommended you get your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years. If you don’t stay on top of your alignment, you may end up with misaligned wheels. This can cause future accidents or vibrations in your steering wheel.
Oil Changes
If you recently got your license, you may be driving a used vehicle as your first car. There’s no shame in this; in fact, it’s something you should be proud of. But with older vehicles, you’re going to want to be extra vigilant with its oil changes. Modern cars call for oil changes every 5,000-7,000 miles. But for older ones, you may want to change it every 3,000-5,000. For the most accurate answer, refer to your car’s manual.
Check Your Brake Pads
After you’ve been driving for a while, take the time to look at your brake pads. Are they beginning to give signs of being overused? The most telling sign is hearing a loud screeching noise when you hit the brakes. This usually means it’s time for new ones. If you know where your brake pads are located, take a look at them. Worn pads tend to look scratched up and have a dark, blotchy appearance.
As a new driver, you should know all the essentials for car care. And now that you know them, you’re ready to hit the roads confidently. Impress your parents by letting them know how well informed you are about your car’s care. They’ll have peace of mind knowing you understand how to drive safely and responsibly.