Top tips for looking after your first car
Congratulations! Buying a car is a big step and while it’s easy to be overcome with emotion, the journey has only just begun.
Follow our handy tips and you’ll be equipped to handle the responsibility that comes with looking after your own car.
Don’t fall behind on servicing
You wouldn’t skimp on your own health and wellbeing, so follow the same strategy with your car to prolong its life. Stick to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule and don’t skip any. You can also keep an eye on things in between services by regularly checking your oil, engine coolant, power steering and transmission fluid (if possible) and keep an ear out for any strange sounds or notable differences in driving quality.
Read the owner’s manual and logbook
It might not be the most enthralling of reads, but the information inside is essential for maintaining your car. The owner’s manual and logbook will include your vehicle’s servicing history and schedule, what fuel to use and what tyre pressure to run.
Learn how to change a tyre
Learning how to change a tyre is a rite of passage and important in those moments where phone coverage might be minimal and you need to get back on the road.
Check your lights and tyres
You can be fined for driving on unroadworthy tyres and it is unsafe. Tyres need to have at least 1.5mm of tread all over. You can also be fined for driving with non-functioning headlights or taillights, so check them on a regular basis.
Maintain your car battery
All batteries look the same from the outside, but the inside can be a different story. Follow the tips in the video below and keep your battery’s health in top shape.
Wash your car
Aside from keeping your car looking its best, regular car washes will protect your vehicle from the elements. Dust and debris can damage your car’s paint and cause rust, so try to wash it at least once a fortnight.
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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.