10 Basic Car Maintenance Tips for Every First Time Car Owners
- Refer to Your Car’s User Manual. …
- Regularly Check Your Car’s Tyre Pressure. …
- Look Out for Warning Lights. …
- Keep Your Car Engine’s Clean. …
- Clean the Car Battery Frequently. …
- Keep a Check on the Brake Fluid. …
- Change Lubricants and Oil Filter Regularly.
Should you have your car serviced?
The choice of service is always yours, though many motorists tend to go for a full service, knowing that having all routine aspects checked early on could ultimately improve performance and prolong the life of their car. Having a mechanic look over features can also help prevent the development of any long-term issues and avoid any nasty costs!
When should you get your first service on a new car?
The first service for a brand-new car is usually scheduled for 12 months or up to a specific mileage (it varies from 10,000 – 15,000 miles) – whichever comes first. This does differ between manufacturers but should be detailed in your vehicle handbook.
What does a full car service include?
The full car service includes checking the brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, oil, fluids, and lights, as well as performing an overall safety check. It also often includes a full diagnostic check of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other components.
What is a car service?
A car service is a health check with routine maintenance for your vehicle which assesses everything from your engine’s fluid levels to the general wear and tear of your car. A service is usually undertaken by a mechanic and the most in-depth of them involve around 50 or more system and component checks, adjustments and parts replacement.
How far away should you be from the steering wheel?
How Far Away From the Steering Wheel Should You Be? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 10 or more inches is the appropriate distance between a driver and their steering wheel.
How far should the steering wheel be from the driver?
According to the Institute of highway safety insurance and the national highway traffic safety administration, the best distance between the driver and his steering wheel is 10 inches or more. You should make sure that the steering wheel is facing down, which will minimize serious damage to the chest and face.
What happens if you sit close to your steering wheel?
If you sit close to your steering wheel, glass from your windshield can cut you in an accident. If the front of your car collapses, your steering wheel can even trap you in place. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, keep 10 inches or more between a driver and their steering wheel.
How do you drive with both hands on the steering wheel?
Hold the steering wheel at a “9 and 3” position. Imagine the steering wheel is the face of a clock. Place your left hand where 9 o’clock would be on the clock. Place your right hand where 3 o’clock would be on the clock. Maintaining this grip will give you the most control over the wheel. Always drive with both hands on the wheel.
How do I adjust the steering wheel?
Also, adjust the steering wheel so there’s about 10 inches from your chest to the wheel. Sit with your body all the way back in your seat. Your back should be pressed against the backrest, and your bottom should be as far back in your seat as possible.
What do you check under car hood?
5 Fluids to Check Under the Hood
- Engine Oil. You’ll need to change your oil approximately every 5,000 miles, but you should also check the dipstick regularly to identify any problems with this fluid, such as a low volume or dirty oil. …
- Transmission Fluid. …
- Coolant. …
- Windshield Wiper Fluid. …
- Power Steering Fluid.
How do I check the under hood of my car?
Start by reading your owners manual. There will always be a section on under hood checks. Keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the trunk. First, a word about safety. Read the safety warnings in your owners manual and any safety warning stickers that may be under the hood.
Is it hot under the hood of a car?
If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off.
How to do a routine inspection under the hood?
It only takes a few minutes. You just need to open up the hood of your car and go through the checks indicated in the driver’s manual which is usually located in the glove compartment. Doing a routine inspection under the hood can help you spot problems by yourself and thus prevent costly breakdowns.
What should I do if my car overheats under the hood?
Read the safety warnings in your owners manual and any safety warning stickers that may be under the hood. If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off.
What are the hazard lights?
Hazard warning lights are a pair of intermittent flashing indicator lights that flash in unison to warn other drivers that the vehicle is a temporary obstruction.
What is a hazard light?
This little known plugin reveals the answer. Hazard lights are used when a disabled car is parked on the side of the road. Most commonly, these lights are used on a disabled car that has been pulled to the side of the road. Especially at night, they increase the visibility of the car so that it will not be hit.
When should I use my hazard warning lights?
You may use your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is stationary to warn other road users that it is causing a temporary traffic obstruction. You may have broken down, had an accident, run out of fuel or been forced to stop by an obstruction in the road.
Why do I need a car hazard light?
One of the most versatile, and important, lights to know on a vehicle is your car hazard lights. Whether you are broken down on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to come and help you, or you are delivery driver making a side delivery pick up, there is many reasons to use the car hazard light.
What happens when you turn on Your hazard lights?
Getting pulled over. If law enforcement signals you to pull over, turning on your hazard lights can show the officer that you acknowledge their signal and are following the request. Slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and stop your car in a safe location. Changing a tire on the side of the road.
What is the area around your car that you Cannot see called?
A blind spot in a vehicle or vehicle blind spot is an area around the vehicle that cannot be directly seen by the driver while at the controls, under existing circumstances.
What should increase along with your vehicle’s speed?
The faster you drive, the greater the impact or striking power of your vehicle. The laws of physics determine that the force of impact increases with the square of the increase in speed. So, if you double the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times.
How can I increase my vehicle’s speed?
You can enhance your vehicle’s speed by tuning up your drivetrain. This includes gears, stall converters, clutches, flywheels, differentials, and drive shafts. These upgrades are vehicle specific and need to be done very carefully. Increase your speed (and handling) by improving your suspension components.
Are there any speed modifications I can make to my car?
All speed modifications and upgrades are general suggestions. While they apply to many cars, they will differ from car to car, make, year and model. Make sure to consult a professional before making any modifications or installations to your vehicle to avoid damage to your car.
Is it time to make your car faster?
From that point on, your mission becomes clear… its time to make your car faster. The biggest question about upgrading your car’s speed is where to start. Every make, model and year will have different options for specific modifications but we’re going to go over the ins and outs for general speed upgrade and mods that work for most cars.
How can I improve my car’s handling?
Suspension: Increase your speed (and handling) by improving your suspension components. A reduction in chassis flex helps to increase a car’s handling and response by adding sway bars and tower braces. There are many options to optimizing it.
When parking uphill with a curb What should you do with your front tires?
Tips to Curb Your Wheels Safely and Legally If you’re faced downhill, turn your front wheels towards the curb. If you’re faced uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll back until it gently touches the curb.
What should you do after you stop quizlet?
What should you do while you are stopped and why? Keep the foot on the brake, keeps the car from moving forward, keeps the brake lights on so other vehicles behind can see that you are stopped.
What do you do when someone collapses?
a. do nothing until the person collapses. b. help the person walk around to help blood flow. c. keep the person calm and phone 911. d. cover the person with a blanket. Fainting is a short period when someone…
What should I do if I’m stopped at an intersection?
You are stopped at an intersection and the traffic light changes to green. You should: A) go ahead only after you are sure that all cross traffic and pedestrians have cleared the intersection. B) wait until the car next to you starts ahead. C) proceed immediately so you do not hold up the traffic behind you.
What is the key to smooth stopping?
What is the key to smooth stopping? Looking for enough ahead to begin slowing early, ease up on the accelerator, apply the brake gently at first, then increase pressure gradually as car is slowing as much as desired, ease up on the brake before coming to a stop.
What should I do if someone refuses care at work?
If someone with an injury or illness at work refuses care, you should do which of the following? a. Stay with the person until someone with more advanced training takes over b. Take care of the person anyway d. Take care of the person because the person is a coworker
Which devices enable you to control the vehicle?
Operating vehicle control devices – Controls used for the operation of a vehicle, including steering wheel, gear selector lever, parking brake, cruise/speed control, ignition switch, and accelerator and brake pedals.
What is adaptive driving equipment?
It’s a wide selection of adaptive driving equipment for virtually every type of vehicle. And it’s all designed to put you in control of your transportation and independence. Mechanical hand controls allow you to operate your vehicle using handles, levers, and pivot points to control the gas, brakes, turn signals and other driving functions.
What are car controls?
The large hand-levers set the rear-wheel parking brake and put the transmission in neutral (left) and control an after-market 2-speed transmission adapter (right). Car controls are the components in automobiles and other powered road vehicles, such as trucks and buses, used for driving and parking.
What controls should I look for in a new car?
There may be other controls to identify such as the bonnet release, boot release, fuel tank and cover release, charging point on electric vehicles, full lock/unlock (the button that locks/unlocks all doors at once), sunroof, and rear blind. The newer and more expensive your car, the more features it’s likely to have.
Can hand controls make driving easier for people with disabilities?
The road to independence starts with adaptive driving equipment. Learn more about how hand controls can make driving your handicap accessible vehicle a whole lot easier. Limited mobility doesn’t have to limit your ability to drive. The Mobility Resource brings you car hand controls that make driving easier and safer for people with disabilities.
