Driving can be a pain sometimes, especially when you're first starting out. Before you get comfy behind the wheel, here's a few things you need to know.
1. What octane gas your vehicle calls for and what side your fuel door is located. Putting the wrong fuel into your vehicle can cause major damage! Knowing what side your fuel door is located tells you which side of the gas pump you need to be on. Most vehicles have a tiny arrow next to the fuel gauge to indicate which side of the vehicle your fuel door is on. Many vehicles also have the fuel door or gas cap labeled with what type of fuel your vehicle uses.
2. How to check fluids under the hood. This goes along with basic maintenance. Get familiar with the different parts of your car, what fluids it takes, where they are located, and how to check them.
3. How to check and add air to a tire as well as how to check the tread of a tire. Inspecting your tires is a must! Temperature fluctuations can cause your tire to read low at times. Invest in a tire gauge. Being able to check the tread will help with noticing any uneven wear or to determine when you need to purchase new tires. Don't forget to check the spare!
Check out How to Know If You Need New Tires.
4. How to change a flat tire and where your spare is located. Accidents happen, debris lying in the roadway can puncture your tire and cause it to go flat. Knowing how to change a flat tire will help get you back on the road, while saving you a few dollars from having to call for help.
Here's How to Change a Flat Tire.
5. Know the lights and gauges on your dashboard as well as what they mean. Those lights are there so your vehicle can let you know something's wrong. Some lights you will never see, but it helps if you know what the light means when it comes on. This will also help when you talk to your mechanic about any issues your vehicle may have, especially if the light decides to turn off before it is inspected. Do you have a light on? Check out What Does That Light Mean to find out what your vehicle is trying to tell you!
6. Basic maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Just like a person needs to visit a doctor for check ups, your vehicle needs routine maintenance. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake services, tune ups, etc. Know your vehicle's maintenance schedule, your owner's manual will help you with this. Maintenance Checklist | General Maintenance Schedule
7. Become familiar with the owner's manual. The owner's manual is a useful book. It tells you a lot about your vehicle from what a light means to where a filter is located to when you need to change your oil. Take a few minutes out of your day and browse through the owner's manual to get to know your vehicle. If you don't have one, try Manuals Library, this site has tons of manuals for all sorts of electronics, including vehicles.
8. Know how to operate everything on the vehicle ( wipers, headlights, defrost, hazard lights, etc. ). Many people don't know how to use something on their vehicle, like the hazard lights, until the last minute. Give your vehicle a once-over and locate all the different functions your vehicle offers. Test them out, so you can understand what they do and how they work.
9. Compile an emergency roadside kit. A basic roadside kit is generally made up of a jack, tire iron, flares, and jumper cables. You should also have a seasonal emergency kit in your vehicle just in case of well... an emergency. What you need for the winter and what you need for the summer is different, just like what clothes you wear are different based on the season. Be sure to swap these seasonal kits out based on the season.
10. Know the dangers of having distractions in a vehicle. Distracted driving is a leading cause in major accidents and deaths. Invest in a car cellphone holder and Bluetooth transmitter for your cellphone so you can be hands-free while driving. If you have children, look into getting a clip-on mirror so you can check on them in the backseat without having to turn around. Know the Dangers.
If there are any tasks on this list that you are not familiar with, we will be happy to help you! Please feel free to Contact Us!
J&S FixQuik Automotive | Mobile Mechanic | Aurora, IL | (331) 222-1935
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