As a man, there are a lot of stereotypes you probably face each day. From liking sports to knowing how to repair things around the house, there are certain expectations of men that aren’t always true. Another excellent example is knowing everything there is to know about cars. But the truth is, not everyone is a car enthusiast – some people only care about what gets them from A to B.
But while it’s ok to have no knowledge of cars, a little can go a long way. Here are some of the basics you need to know to help you get by without having to be an expert in all things motor-related.Learn how to find a good deal on a car
Finding a good deal on a car is one of the main things you need to know about cars. Car dealers are salespeople who are going to try and make as much money from you as they can, so a little knowledge can help you being forced into buying something that isn’t worth the money.
In addition to the car itself, there are also some hidden costs to consider when buying a car. Make sure you know what these costs are so that you’re not faced with any surprises later on.
Apply the same advice to getting repairs or work done to your vehicle. Always shop around for more than one quote to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of by someone who’s looking to squeeze some extra money from you.
Teach yourself some basic fixes
Nobody is expecting you to be a car mechanic, but it can be helpful to know how to make a few basic repairs that will save you time and money. Some of the most important things to learn include:
- Checking your tire pressure, oil levels, brake fluid, washer fluid, etc.
- Changing a tire – something that’s always useful in an emergency situation.
- Replace your wiper blades.
Knowing these basic fixes could save you hundreds of dollars at a garage, and get your car back on the road in a hurry. If you want to take things further, you can learn how to repair car scratches and even more advanced repairs. Have someone experienced show you how it’s done to help you build up your confidence, or watch some online videos to give you some step-by-step instructions.
Know how to maintain your car and keep it clean
While you may not know the ins and outs of cars, it is important to learn how to take care of your own. This will not only prolong the car’s lifespan, but it could also save you from breaking down or needing some costly repairs for your vehicle. Some of the things you need to do to maintain your car include:
- Carry out regular checks on your gas, oil, tyre pressure, etc.
- Check your lights, brakes and steering regularly.
- Take your car for a regular service.
- Keep your car clean. It’s very important to do this regularly to maintain your car’s condition and create a nicer driving experience.
- Maintain your insurance and shop around for the best deal.
When you purchase a car, it’s worth asking what things you should know to help maintain it, and read the vehicle manual thoroughly to make sure you know what you need to know about your specific vehicle. Always keep the manual to hand or look for a digital version you can keep on your phone – you never know when you might need it.
Learn what it takes to be a safe driver
Having knowledge about cars versus having knowledge about driving are two very different things. You can be a good driver without knowing much about cars. Being a safe driver should always be your priority, and some of the things you can do to ensure this are:
- Never drive distracted or angry.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Observe speed limits and don’t break them.
- Always pay attention to the road.
- Don’t rely on other drivers to behave as you would – always keep your wits about you.
- Never use your phone while driving.
- Keep your distance between yourself and other vehicles to give you more time to react to potential risks.
Avoiding bad driving habits can help reduce your risk of accidents, and can keep your insurance payments down too.
Know how to spot when something is wrong with your car
You may not know how to get under the hood and make repairs, but you should be able to spot when something is wrong with your car. From strange noises to problems with start-up, braking, stopping, etc., there are a lot of warning signs you should know to alert you to a problem with your car.
When you encounter a problem with your car, take it to your local garage for some help and advice. They will be able to take care of larger problems, such as transmission repair and rebuild services, or advise you that the car is working normally. It’s always better to get your car checked than to drive around in something potentially unsafe, so be sure to make the trip.
Find someone you can ask when you need some help
Nobody knows everything about cars, just like not everyone knows how to fix a leaky faucet or submit their taxes. But there will be some people in your life who do, so it’s worth asking them for help and advice about cars when you need it. Most people will be happy to help and share their expertise, and they could teach you some things that will help you too. Never be afraid to ask someone for help with your car, and remember – there are plenty of online advice pages and forums where you can ask for some advice, too.
While you may not know much about cars, hopefully, the tips above will have given you something to think about. With a little research, time and patience, you can learn the basics of cars, including how to spot a problem and how to maintain your own car.
Photo by Jonas Junk on Unsplash
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