As a recent graduate who bought their first car, you want to make sure that you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. This will ensure that you experience minimal issues, and you get to keep your car in good condition for years to come and truly get your money’s worth. But, as a new car owner, you may not know all the tricks and tips that come with a vehicle’s upkeep. This article will discuss how to take care of your car without breaking the bank.
Reputable mechanics are your friend
For most South Africans, purchasing a vehicle is a costly expense, and most don’t have the funds to pay it off without any financial assistance. This is the case for most graduates who are only starting out in their career, which leaves most with getting a vehicle through graduate finance. Graduate finance is a tailored finance offering for recent graduates where credit history is not essential. If you bought a vehicle through graduate finance or any funding, you know the importance of keeping your vehicle in good condition. DIY car projects shouldn’t be your first point of reference but rather a trusted mechanic. As “pricey” as they may seem, you need to take your car for regular servicing and maintenance. This will ensure that any major car problems are dealt with immediately before they become even bigger problems. While it may cost you money now, taking your vehicle regularly can help save money in the long run.
Wash your car regularly
When it comes to keeping your car in good condition, people often think of everything else besides the basics of washing and keeping your car clean. Keeping both the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean is one of the most budget-friendly ways of ensuring you keep your wheels in good condition for the long term. Washing and taking care of your car helps maintain the car’s paint and ensures your safety. When driving, you mostly need to see where you are going and keep your eye on the road. If your vehicle is unclean, chances are the windows haven’t been washed. This leaves you in a compromising position as dirty car windows can make it difficult for you to see, especially if you have shifts where you drive in the early mornings or late evenings where you focus, and clear vision is needed. Plus, when you take care of your vehicle, it is easier for you to pick up when there is something wrong, helping you sort out the issue immediately rather than later. It ensures that once you wish to sell your car, you can get a better trade-in deal as it will be evident that the vehicle has been well taken care of.
Top up your car fluids
Apart from your car’s engine, your car fluids are the next important factor to be taken care of. You have to ensure your coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and other fluids are regularly checked and maintained. A rule of thumb is to check your fluids at least once a week. This will let you know when they need a top-up or if there are any complications you need to worry about. Make sure you visit your mechanic so they can demonstrate to you everything you need to know when it comes to fluids. This will also make it easier for you to see when things aren’t working as they should.
Remember to check the oil
Ensuring you check your oil levels and top off when needed is vital for your car performance. This is because the motor oil’s role is to lubricate the moving parts in your engine. This ensures that all the moving parts don’t grind and tear themselves, leading to vehicle issues. Ensure you check your car regularly and either check your manual or speak to your mechanic on the recommended amount you need to put in.
Check your tyre pressures regularly
If this is your first time owning a vehicle, you may not even realise the importance of checking your tyre pressure, and it can easily be forgotten. But, this is vital as it will ensure that you are safe on the road and that you have control and don’t put others in harm’s way. Tyres that are improperly inflated don’t handle nor stop as efficiently as tyres in good condition. They also increase the risk of a blowout which can be a costly expense that is best avoided. Another perk of having tyres with the correct pressure is that they last longer and increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, ensuring you save more money in the long run.
Protect your vehicle from harsh weather conditions
While this may also go unnoticed, harsh weather can be extremely damaging for your vehicle’s interior and exterior. Although there aren’t many car repairs you can do yourself unless you have experience, prevention is one thing you can do. Make sure you park in a covered space in colder weather, preferably a garage when at home and underground parking lots when available. In the summer, make sure you park your car in the shade or use a window deflector screen to protect your vehicle from harmful sun rays.
Final thoughts
As you have come to see, owning a vehicle requires a lot from you, especially financially. While there are always ways to save money, make sure that you talk to a reputable mechanic beforehand when it comes to your vehicle. DIY projects can be a great way to save money only when you know what to do, so do your research, read your owner’s manual and always consult a mechanic to ensure that whatever you’re doing is helping your vehicle. While it is a depreciating asset, you want to keep it in top condition to ensure it lasts you for a couple of years and you’re still able to sell or trade it in for a reasonable price once you’re financially ready for a new car.
