AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
So, you got your first brand-new car and proudly drove it home from the dealer's lot. Everything looks shiny and new, and your vehicle drives like a dream. But how do you keep it in good shape for years ahead?
A new car is a big investment. Aside from the sticker price, you need to pay quite a bit for new car insurance and other extras that are factored in the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the time. You're also taking a risk in that as any value that's not covered by insurance can be lost if your car crashes or something else bad happens to it.
These are some of the parts and systems you should think about when maintaining a brand-new car for the future.
1. Transmission
The transmission is the complicated system of gears and parts that helps your vehicle to shift up and down as it accelerates and decelerates on road.
The transmission is also one of the most fragile systems in the car and one of those that is the most expensive to fix. Most transmissions are not easily accessible by mechanics, and other complexities also add to the cost of fixing a transmission. So, this is one of the most significant car systems to protect.
That means careful evaluation and replacing fluids are necessary. It means understanding what type of transmission you have and keeping an eye out for problems like unusual sounds or poor shifting.
2. Engine and Drivetrain
In so many ways, the engine is the heart of your vehicle. Your engine and drivetrain system will keep you zooming down the road in the years to come.
But today's engines are also complex. They are tied to significant engine computer systems that evaluate the fuel mix and other issues. Don't overlook the role of complicated and expensive parts like catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.
At the same time, the engine is still mechanical at the end of the day and needs to be properly lubricated to work well. One of the most important things in maintaining any car is to keep an eye on engine oil. When engine oil gets old and gritty, it can wear down engine parts – and if engine oil should run out, leaving the engine dry, you can actually have the engine seize up and break down completely.
For this reason, it's essential to get regular oil changes, check oil, keep records and change the oil filter if necessary.
3. Tires
This one is more of a safety issue related to your investment in your vehicle.
Taking care of tires is important for two reasons – for safety and for lowering your total cost of ownership. Tires that are improperly worn will result in you buying a new set of tires for a lot more money sooner than expected. Look for any tell-tale signs that tires have not been inflated or rotated as they should or an alignment problem with your vehicle that can create tire wear.
4. Good Insurance
In maintaining your brand-new vehicle, you also want to maintain good insurance. You want to think about whether to add certain types of comprehensive insurance protection against theft and vandalism. However, if you're financing your vehicle, the lender may obligate you to buy these anyway. What's the best way to shop for auto insurance? Very carefully look at full or limited tort and other considerations to get the right tailored policy.
Having good insurance (and knowing more as you shop car insurance) helps you keep your vehicle legally on road and shields you from various kinds of liabilities and legal problems, up to and including your own arrest.
That's why the police ask for insurance information at a traffic stop. They want to see that you're legally insured to be on the road. You'll also need to maintain an active driver's licence and the current vehicle registration.
5. Your Vehicle's Body
Experts also talk about how important it is to wash your car and take care of its exterior over the time.
Like you, your car can prematurely age when it experiences too much sun exposure and impact.
Taking care of your vehicle's paint job helps maintain its value across time.
6. Radiator and Brakes
Here again, this part of maintaining your vehicle has a lot to do with safety. You don't want your brakes to give out because you could wreck the entire vehicle. You also don't want your radiator to blow, so you have to watch engine heat. Overheating can also ruin your new engine and the value of your vehicle.
By maintaining all these things, you give yourself a better horizon for the road ahead. It's critical to think about what happens to cars as they age and how you will protect your investment. This also helps you to learn more about what makes your car "tick," so you can catch any problems early as they develop.