Five Things You Should Know About Your New Car

Upon purchasing a new car, there is a certain period of adjustment. It may not run the same as your previous vehicle, or you may have new controls to master.



However, don't let your excitement get the better of you. You don't have to be a master mechanic to have a well-maintained car, simply keep these tips in mind to keep your new car running at peak performance. Close adherence could save you plenty of money and will help your car last longer.



Use the parking brake. While this is obvious for those who drive manual transmission cars, many who drive automatics believe that selecting the parking gear is enough. This is not true. The parking gear transfers the entire weight of the vehicle to a small pin called a parking pawl. If the car is on an incline or is even tapped by another vehicle, the pawl could snap off and foul the transmission. Engage the parking brake every time you park. Doing this also has the added bonus of making it more difficult to steal your car, as the thief would have one more brake to disable.

Know if the coolant system type is user-serviceable. Some new vehicles have a so-called 'closed' coolant system, meaning that it should only be opened, topped off, or serviced by a mechanic. Do not attempt to defeat this system, as you could damage the reservoir or the radiator. If your new vehicle has a coolant system you can service, read the manual very carefully and only attempt it when the engine is perfectly cool.

Use the recommended fuel type. Many people have the mistaken idea that higher-octane fuels will boost performance or are somehow better for their vehicles. The truth is that your car's engine was built to accept a certain octane. Using a higher or lower-grade of petrol can actually cause more wear than adhering to the manufacturer's suggested type.

Change the oil every 8,000 kilometers or whenever it looks dirty. You really cannot change the oil too frequently, so make a habit of doing so regularly. Oil is normally the colour of honey. If you pull out the dipstick and are confronted with brown or black tar-like oil, have it changed as quickly as possible. Set up a reminder on your mobile phone or computer calendar if you have a tendency to forget such things.

Never pressure-wash your engine. Many people love the look of a new, clean engine and will get the idea to clean it with their pressure washer. With all of the electrical connections, hoses, seals, and moving parts in the engine, this is a terrible idea. If you must wash your engine, use a low-pressure garden hose and a cleaner designed specifically for that purpose. Better yet, have a professional detailing firm do it for you.

Knowing the particulars of your new car, as well as being aware of general maintenance protocols, can keep your new car in top shape for years to come. By following these tips, you can avoid placing undue stress on it and make far fewer costly trips to the mechanic.