I just bought my firsrt car..any tips on how to look after it properly?

Question

I know about all the basics like tyre pressures, keeping everything topped up etc but what tips have you got to help me keep it in good nick?

Answer 1

You should follow the service schedule in the owners manual. This will keep the car running properly and it will keep you in good with the car manufacturers warranty. This will also keep the value in the car come re-sale time.
Wash it once a week and wax it every 6 months.

Answer 2

I swear by regular oil changes every 6000 miles and change the oil filter at the same time as well. Don't use cheap oil either this is false economy. But unless it is a Porsche or a Ferrari don't buy the £40 a gallon stuff either. I recommend 10w 40 (semi synthetic) for most petrol engined cars this will be fine. If your spark plugs are dirty/worn your car will use approx 10-12% more petrol than brand new ones. (around about £10 for a set of 4) this will pay for itself in the long run. Plus it will reduce the chances of your car braking down. Slightly more expensive BUT again worth it if you are going to keep the car for a while....Has the car had new plug leads recently these connect to the end of the spark plugs and connect to the distributor cap. I change these every 2 years on my car and you can feel the difference when you put a new set on (around about £20 for a set of 4 with the high tension lead). I know it is all expense but if you look after your car it will look after you. And last but NOT least (unfortunately only a Very competent mechanic will be able to do this) Every 60000 miles the car WILL need a new cam belt, If you don't change this and it snaps then it is goodbye your car engine I kid you not. Good luck and happy motoring.

Answer 3

When you wash it wash the sills, exhaust etc. Helps keep the rot from setting in on the edges where the cars vulnerable. AND get a new thermostat fitted. A service is nothing like as important as this, a service isn't entirely necessary its just replacing bits that are probably fine with new bits, but if your thermostat sticks just once you could end up towing the car to a scrap yard.

Answer 4

There's a little book in the glove compartment that is called an Owner's Manual. Read it, and follow the Scheduled Maintenance described in there.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the dealer or manufacturer. You spent good money on the car,get your money's worth. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Also, learn and understand your vehicles's warranty, and use the hell out of it!

You paid for it, use it. If you have a problem or concern, take it in. No sense in paying for stuff when you don't have too.

Can't go wrong that way!

Good Luck

Answer 5

There is a tried and tested maintenance procedure that can keep most cars on the road, it's called Daddy!!! If that doesn't work, log on, find out the good gen from the net. Get 4 answers and if three tally, stick with it. The other option for your tyre pressures is of course to ask a man.

Answer 6

i own a repair shop,in Tennessee,and if you,ll change the oil regularly on it,say around every three thousand miles,and keep it greased ,and repair anything when it ears up ,or stops working ,don't wait on it,always fix things as the go wrong,,you can make it last a really long time ,and just try to listen for noises that could become problems ,with it if you do all of this and drive it right ,it should last a long time,basically use common sense with it,and it will last you real good,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 7

besides regular oil changes, etc.... it is a really good idea to wash & wax your car on a regular basis. washing once a week to keep the dirt & grime from settling in & then waxing every two months give or take. in addition, sweeping it out & generally keeping it clean makes a huge difference. probably one of the biggest things would be to not smoke in your car if you have that habbit. you always end up getting a burn hole it in no matter how careful you are!!!

Answer 8

Alternative view to most of the others here.

Engineering is one of the best possible interests, go learn about your car, its not so difficult. That way either you can fix it yourself or at least you won't get ripped off so much when the garage monkey tells you your Inter-etheric-sub-neuronic relay is worn out and will cost another 500 quid.

Answer 9

Find someone that does really good tint jobs. Make sure you see their work prior to leaving your car to be done.

Tint will preserve the inside of the care and keep the sun from fading and damaging it.

Plus it looks cool.

35 on the front and 20 on the back.

Answer 10

keep the oil and filter changed when it says so,change the plugs when thet are worn out,grease the front end,check anti-freeze to make sure it wont freeze in winter,keep it waxed,check the front and back brakes,make sure the front end is tight,like ball joints and tie rods,change air filter,clean throttle body,pcv valve plug wires,and drive sensible so you dont crash it up after you did all that work on it.