10 Essential Car Care Tips for Beginners

We have all wanted that dream car, haven't we? But not all of us know how to take care of our precious set of wheels. Now we don't all have to be mechanics to understand how to properly look after our vehicle, but we can surely benefit from some quick care tips that will keep our car running longer.

Taking care of your car is crucial for its longevity, performance, and overall safety. Whether you're a new car owner or simply looking to improve your car care routine, these simple tips can help you keep your vehicle in top shape.

Below are some car care tips that are recommended. Take a look and see how it benefits your vehicle care regime!

Why Car Manual Matters In Car Maintenance?

Take care of car, you will! Read the manual; you will!

Your car's owner's manual is an invaluable resource. Most of us are in the habit of either skimming through owner manuals or just completely trashing it as soon as we have laid eyes on it. Trust us, reading the manual and it’s jargon-filled language can be a lifesaver. 

The car manual is a beginner’s best friend. It provides detailed information on everything from basic operations to recommended maintenance schedules. You can find guidance on troubleshooting minor issues, performing basic maintenance tasks, and your car's unique features. Not only this, but when you have a good grasp of your car’s build, it’ll become easier to understand what the pros say. So the next time you walk into a garage or open a YouTube tutorial, you will be able to follow along better and not feel so lost.

2. Check Tyre Pressure Regularly

Many car drivers think about the tyres on their cars only when something goes horribly wrong –  like a puncture or a blowout. A good car owner knows that the secret to a smooth ride is optimal tyre pressure at all times. Maintaining proper tyre pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. 

Here’s what happens if your tyres don't have the correct pressure. If your tyres are underinflated, they become more susceptible to overheating and blowouts. Underinflated tyres can make it very hard to handle the car when travelling at speed, increasing stopping distances. This can lead to many dangerous situations when you are on the road.  The rolling resistance also increases when tyres are underinflated, meaning that the car has to exert more force to keep moving and thus consumes more fuel. 

Conversely, overinflated tyres can also compromise handling and increase the risk of tyre failure, especially in hot weather. 

The solution: Regularly check your tyre pressure using a reliable gauge and adjust accordingly as per your car manufacturer's recommendations. 

3. Inspect and Replace Engine Oil

All engine oils are good engine oils, right? Wrong. 

Engine oil is vital for lubricating moving parts and preventing excessive wear and tear. But it is very important to choose the right type of oil for your car. When you choose an engine oil, make sure to check the owner manual as it will specify the recommended oil viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and type (synthetic, synthetic blend, mineral) for your specific vehicle.

You can also refer to your owner's manual for the recommended oil change intervals. Do note that this interval may change if you are using your car for heavy lifting or driving regularly on uneven and harsh terrain. 

When you buy engine oil, you will see an alphanumeric code along with the brand name; e.g., 5W-30. The first number (5W) indicates the oil’s cold-flow properties (how easily it flows in cold weather). The second number (30) indicates its viscosity at operating temperatures.

Refer to your owner manual and choose an oil that is optimal for your climate and operating conditions. You can also look for multi-grade oils that are suitable for a large variety of situations.

4. Clean the engine compartment. Zealously.

The hallmark of a car lover? How happy they are to get their hands dirty and tinker around with their beloved vehicle. 

Now, even if you are not extra enthusiastic about tinkering with the machine, it will do you a world of good to open the engine compartment ever so frequently and take a peek around. Keeping your engine compartment clean not only improves the aesthetics of your car but also helps you identify potential issues early on. Loose nuts and bolts, gathering rust, and frayed wires can all be easily spotted by a regular visual scan. 

When you are at it, remember to clean the engine compartment and remove dirt, grime, and other debris that love to collect in the machine. Doing so is will allow you to easily spot any leaks or unusual wear and tear and avoid costly fixes later.

5. Keep the spark plug sparking!

Spark plugs play a crucial role in the ignition process. Over time, spark plugs can get jammed with carbon and other contaminants. When this happens, the spark plug does not ignite as easily, and fuel can wash down the cylinder walls causing extra wear and tear. A faulty spark plug can cause various issues, including difficulty starting, engine misfires, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. 

Regularly inspect your spark plugs for signs of wear and tear and replace them as per your manufacturer's recommendations. 

Now, if you want to do this the DIY way,  you will need a wrench and a good-quality spark plug cleaner. First, remove the spark plugs with the help of the wrench. Gently clean away any debris and contaminants with a soft cloth and soap them in the cleaning solution to get rid of excess build-up. This should keep your vehicles from having any ignition problems in the long run.

6. Do some interior decoration

You don’t always need to take your car to the carwash for it to look clean and brand new. We recommend you invest in a handheld car vacuum cleaner and use it to regularly vacuum the carpets and seats. A lot of dust gathers on the seats as we drive and on the floor mats from our shoes. You can even line the floor mats with disposable covers to keep them clean and avoid dust.

Next, wipe down the dashboard and door panels and clean the windows. You can use regular soap and water, or invest in some top-tier cleaning solutions to keep your dashboard and rearview windows squeaky clean. Dirt on these windows can impede visibility during driving and can cause issues. 

6. Keep Your Car Battery in Good Condition

Most car owner horror stories start with how the car battery went dead in the middle of nowhere, and then the car had to be towed or pushed to the destination. There’s a simple way to avoid such nightmares – regular battery checks. 

Just like you charge your phone or your laptop every day, your car battery too needs to be looked after on a regular basis. This is essential for optimal performance and longevity.

Whether you perform the check on your own or ask a mechanic to do it, remember to check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush. The battery connections can sometimes come loose over time, so make sure they are tight and free from any loose wires. Also, keep the battery terminals and surrounding area clean to prevent corrosion.

7. Check Brake Pads and Fluid

Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your car’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal while driving, the force from your foot is converted into pressure through the break fluid in the system, causing the brake pads to grip the rotors and cause the wheels to stop. If there is not enough break fluid in your car, your brakes just simply won't function!

During your car maintenance session, make sure to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it up if necessary. It is important to use high-grade brake fluid to avoid corrosion and prevent air bubbles. If your brake fluid overheats, the resulting air bubbles can cause the brakes to malfunction or feel “spongy” which can be quite dangerous. Also, make sure to refer to your owner's manual for the correct type of brake fluid for your vehicle.

Driving habits can also significantly impact braking efficiency. When driving, try to avoid aggressive acceleration and sudden braking. Maintain a steady speed whenever possible and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking. 

8. Clean and Replace Air Filters

The cabin air filter filters out dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air entering the car's interior. A clogged cabin air filter can reduce airflow, affect air conditioning performance, and even cause respiratory issues for passengers. 

It is recommended to change the cabin air filter typically every 12-15,000 miles. The owner manual would tell you more about this, but regular checkups will also tell you exactly how the filter is functioning. If you use your car for long-distance driving or if the area you live in is highly polluted or dusty, you may need to replace the car filter much more frequently. 

A telltale sign of your aircon filter not working? Reduced airflow or a musty or unpleasant odour coming from the vents. That’s your sign to clean the filter ASAP!

9. Get a good insurance cover

Let's face it, even with all the maintenance and love, accidents can happen. And when they do, the last thing you want to worry about is the financial burden. That's where car insurance comes in. Think of it as your safety net on the road, providing financial protection in case of unexpected events like accidents, theft, or natural disasters.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car insurance policy is crucial. You will need to consider factors like the type of coverage you need (third-party, comprehensive), your driving history, and your budget.

Don't let the overwhelming number of options confuse you. InsuranceDekho has made it easy to compare quotes from various insurers, understand different coverage options, and find the best deal that suits your needs and budget. If there is one beginner car care tip that you must not forget, this one is it! Happy driving!