As a first-time car owner, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what’s needed to keep you and your vehicle both safe and legal while on the road.
That’s why our experts at eShip Transport have put together this guide to help equip you with the necessary tips and advice so you can confidently hit the road!
We’ll cover everything from checking your tires regularly to following the rules of the road and even having a roadside emergency kit in your car.
10 Tips for a First-Time Car Owner:
1. Secure Auto Insurance:
This should be the first step for every first-time car owner. All you’ll need is your VIN number and a few details on your new vehicle to compare insurance rates. Just make sure you get the best coverage for your specific needs!
Doing research upfront will save you serious headaches down the line!
2. Research Maintenance Requirements:
Depending on your car’s make and model, maintenance requirements will vary, so take the time to brush up on your owner’s manual. As recommended in the car manufacturer’s manual, servicing should happen every certain amount of miles or annually… whichever one arrives sooner!
Same with oil changes! Typically oil changes should be done every 2,000-5,000 miles depending on the vehicle and the type of oil being used. Oil changes are very important!
Learn when your car should be getting those two tasks completed regularly in order to get optimum performance.
3. Join a Car Club:
Are you a first-time car owner? Joining a car club is a great way to access discounts on car parts and services, as well as get helpful advice from other more experienced drivers.
You’ll always have contact with other like-minded people who love car culture as much as you do. Get ready for driver satisfaction each and every time you hit the roads!
4. Stay Organized:
As a first-time car owner, staying organized is an important tip to remember!
Have a designated spot, typically the glove box, where you remember to save all of your important paperwork, such as registration and insurance documents. That way, when the time comes and you need to produce those papers on the spot, they are within arms reach!
5. Check Your Tires Regularly:
Make sure to check your tires regularly and refill them as needed.
Low tire pressure can cause poor fuel economy, uneven wear on the tires, and even blowouts if not taken care of.
So save yourself time and money by slipping in some monthly maintenance to ensure your tires are in tip-top shape before you hit the road!
6. Know How to Change a Tire:
Congratulations on becoming a first-time car owner!
While owning a car can be exciting, it also comes with important responsibilities, like knowing how to change a tire. Don’t worry, changing a tire is actually a straightforward process that can be mastered by anyone with the right tools!
How to change a tire:
- Locate your spare tire, lug wrench, and car jack.
- Take your lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire.
- Carefully lift the car with the jack. Most vehicles have 4 jacking points located beneath the rocker panels, with 2 just behind the front wheels and 2 ahead of the rear wheels.
- Now you can remove the lug nuts and flat tire and install the spare tire.
- Finally, tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, and then finish tightening the lug nuts.
And just like that, you’re back on the road in no time!
7. Pay Attention to Your Gas Tank:
If your gas tank is low, don’t wait until it’s nearly empty to fill up, this can be dangerous! Not only are you risking getting stuck on the side of the road, but this can also damage your car!
As cars start to run out of gas, the engine starts to draw fuel from the bottom of your tank which can contain dirt and other debris that can cause damage to the fuel pump.
Make sure to keep an eye on your gas tank and fill it up before it gets too low. Know where the nearest gas station is so you don’t get stranded.
8. Have a Roadside Kit in Your Car:
As a responsible driver, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that could arise on the road, like running out of gas. That’s why assembling a roadside kit is essential.
To assemble a roadside kit, you’ll need:
- flashlight
- jumper cables
- emergency first-aid kit
But don’t stop there! Consider adding other essential items like:
- a tire gauge
- water bottles
- granola bars
- battery-powered phone charger
- a blanket
- matches
- extra batteries
Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Assembling a roadside kit is easy and affordable, and you just never know when it will come in handy.
9. Know How to Handle Emergencies:
Being a first-time car owner can be exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of knowing how to handle emergencies on the road.
As you embark on your journey, it’s important to remain calm during any car emergency and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
In case of an accident or breakdown, it’s important to call for help, whether that’s the police or a roadside assistance company.
Most importantly, stay away from the scene of the emergency until help arrives to avoid any further harm.
Bonus Tip: Research Vehicle Transport Services, You Never Know When You Might Need Them!
No matter the situation, eShip Transport is the reliable and trustworthy partner you need for all your vehicle transport services. At eShip, we understand that entrusting an auto transport company with your vehicle transport services is an important decision.
- As a first-time car owner, you should read 10 Essential Tips for Using Vehicle Transport Services
As one of America’s top-3 auto transport companies, accompanied by our A+ rating from the BBB, you can feel confident that your vehicle will arrive safely and on time when you ship a car with eShip! Get a free auto transport quote by filling out the form below!
10. Follow The Rules Of The Road:
Now that you have this new responsibility, as a first-time car owner it’s important to remember to always follow the rules of the road.
We know it can be easy for a first-time driver to get caught up in the excitement of being behind the wheel, but obeying traffic signs, speed limits, and traffic lights is so important! Not just for your safety, but everyone else’s as well!
Think of it as playing your part in keeping our roads safe and accident-free. So, buckle up, turn up your favorite tunes, and let’s hit the road, safely!
Conclusion
As a first-time car owner, it is important to stay prepared and informed about the basics of vehicle maintenance, and follow the rules of the road!
eShip Transport is a reliable and trustworthy auto transport company with experienced professionals that will safely transport your vehicle from any location to your desired destination.
With comprehensive insurance coverage, you can trust eShip with your car’s safe arrival. If you ever need any assistance with vehicle transport services, don’t hesitate to call us! We look forward to hearing from you!
