Beginner drivers should know that many things can go wrong when driving. Sometimes, this can be due to a lack of experience or poor judgment. To ensure that you can deal with these things correctly, here is a list of 6 basic car maintenance skills that each driver should know.
1: How to fill up the gas tank
If you want to get the most out of your car, one of the first things you should do is to check how much fuel is left in your car’s gas tank. A fully-filled or “full” tank of gasoline can make all the difference when it comes time to drive down the road. It’s important to know how full your tank is and how close you are to running dry because both situations can lead to a dangerous driving condition.
2: How to balance the car
You might think that balancing a car would require a lot of skill, but there are many ways to do it. Most people know how to do it by feeling, but it’s possible to learn more about balancing a car if you want to know. Before getting started on the task, however, it’s important to understand why cars tend to tip over. The reason is that they usually tend to weigh less than their tires, which makes them more likely to roll over. If you ever notice that your car begins to seem like it’s going to tip over, then you’d better start paying attention to what you’re doing.
3: How to clean the car
One thing that everyone has heard of is good vehicle hygiene. Cleaning your car’s interior is something that you should never overlook, as dirty interiors will cause problems with ventilation, air conditioning, and even visibility. When cleaning a car, remember that it is especially important to thoroughly wash your car’s headlights, bumpers, and sides. While washing the front of your car isn’t the most difficult part of cleaning, it does take longer than other parts. This is because dirt tends to accumulate around your car’s grills, lights, and wipers. As such, you may want to invest in some special equipment.
4: What are your antifreeze levels?
The next step after cleaning your car is checking its antifreeze levels. Antifreeze works by dissolving water so that the engine doesn’t freeze during cold weather. However, ice crystals form within the coolant system once your car is no longer moving and is sitting idle. These crystals then get stuck inside the tubing and hoses of your engine, leading to severe damage. To avoid any issues, you should regularly monitor your car’s antifreeze levels to ensure they stay above 0 degrees Fahrenheit (F).
5: What is your oil level?
Like antifreeze, you also need to check the oil levels in your car before attempting to drive off. Oils help prevent moisture from entering through the joints and seals of the engine. Your car’s owner manual will give you clear instructions on how many miles you can go before it’s time to change the oil. Some people say that their car’s ideal oil change interval varies depending on their driving.
6: How many miles does the car have?
Finally, you must know exactly how far your car has traveled since buying it. It’s not uncommon for cars sold new to travel up to 500,000 km or 300,000 miles without needing an oil change. If your odometer shows less mileage, one factor could be that it was driven more frequently when it first hit the road. Another possibility is that the odometer was damaged while the vehicle was being repaired or serviced.
Know how to adjust tire pressure
When it comes to your car’s tires, one of the things you absolutely must keep track of is the tire pressure. This includes both the front and rear wheels. If you don’t pay attention to it, you risk having your tires explode due to too much heat inside the wheel.
By following these steps, you can reduce the chances of making costly mistakes down the line. Genesis Autoworks Coorparoo will help with all the maintenance needs of your car. However, as with anything mechanical, parts may fail sooner than expected if you don’t pay attention. Make sure that you understand what your car’s owner’s manual says and follow all recommendations given to you.
