Better car knowledge makes you a better car owner
Most car owners tend to refer to the value of their car as an indication of their abilities in the field of car ownership. There’s indeed the common belief that how much you spend on your car reflects on the kind of owner you are. However, regardless of the value of your vehicle, a good car owner is someone you can recognise by their car knowledge. There is no denying that the one who understands how a car works and who can fix faults before they before serious issues is the kind of person you’d trust with any car. In other words, understanding your car, having the right tools for basic and more complex repairs, maintaining your vehicle and developing a sense of confidence about car mechanics and driving are the signs of a great car owner.
Understand how cars work
When you choose to buy a car, it’s always a good idea to read a little about how the engines, the brakes, the manual gearbox, the ignition system and everything else belong together. Knowing how a car works can save you precious time when things go wrong. For instance, if you have read about brake pads and disc, you will be less worried if you hear a squeaky noise each time you hit the brake pedal. You’ll know where the issues are. You might even suspect what the problem is, such as a damaged disc that has lost its smoothness or worn out brake pads. When you know how the various elements of your car hang together, you can understand issues without worrying. Knowing is half the battle when it comes to fixing your car.
Get the basic tools for simple repairs
Car ownership is synonymous with car duties, regardless of whether you are a trained mechanics or not. Simple fixes, such as changing a tire, need to be part of your DIY skills. What if it isn’t? Easy: Practice until you can do it. There is no excuse for being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, but your own laziness and lack of interest in the vehicle you chose to buy. In other words, you need to keep a toolbox in your trunk with a car jack, a lug wrench – a wrench with a socket on one end and a pry bar on the other – and a spare tire. More cars come with an emergency tire, but you can also choose to buy a proper tire as a replacement. You may also require a wheel lock depending on the make and model of your car. If this is the car, the wheel lock will be delivered with the car at the time of purchase.
Maintenance is key
As a rule of the thumb, keeping your car in a good condition is part of your duties. It isn’t only about being able to proceed to small repairs, but you also need to get the car services and maintained professionally. Doing this means that your car is approved by a professional to be in a safe condition for the road. Additionally, any potential issues can be spotted before they develop into serious problems. You should plan a full checkup of your vehicle every 12 to 6 months, depending on how much mileage you accumulate with it.
Explore advanced tools that can save the day
When you start developing a better understanding of your car, you can also begin to address other issues and to collect a different set of tools. For instance, if you’ve always wondered what you can use to fill up your tires when you’re far from any garage and petrol service station, then you might want to click here to find out more. Indeed, keeping a portable air compressor in your trunk can save you many troubles when your tire gets unexpectedly flat. At least, it can save the day until you have the opportunity to get your tire checked and repaired by a professional.
You get to be a better driver
The more you understand how your car works, the better you feel about the safety of your vehicle. Knowing that your brakes are in good condition, that you’ve changed the oil and that the tires are new can also give you additional confidence on the road. Knowing your car better leads to driving your car better, which is the kind of happy consequence you want. The better you drive, the more you can look after our car, because you get to understand the signs that you’re pushing it too much or that it needs a break.
** This is a collaborative post
