How to Make the Most of Your First Used Car
It helps to understand how to make the most of your first used car. Here are five things to consider before and after buying your vehicle, from basics to safety.
Choose Your Car Wisely
Before you even get your first car, you have the issue of money and insurance. When asking yourself, “Can I get car finance?” there is more to consider than your credit score, such as affording monthly payments. Probably, you can’t afford a brand new car at first, so a reasonably-priced used car is better. But, even then, a shiny sports car isn’t the wisest choice. First, 1 in 5 new drivers is more likely to crash in the first year. Also, your insurance premiums will cost more than your payments. So, perhaps an economical hatchback is best for now.
Enlist the Help of a Mechanic
There are only a few things you can do on your own unless you’re a mechanic. Unless you’re a trained mechanic, you should take your car to a trained and qualified pro every now and then. Before buying a used car from your dealer, it’s a good idea to take an expert with you. Then make sure you maintain your vehicle. If you hire a mechanic, they can see minor problems before they become major headaches and fix them beforehand. You should also be aware that car tests are legally mandatory in some countries, like the MOT tests in the UK.
Get a Feel for It
Although all cars are made from the same parts, they are all different so take the time to figure out how yours works. Different carmakers use various technologies, and knowing your car’s systems helps, no matter what kind you drive. For example, new vehicles like the Jaguar e-Pace are controlled by touch screens. Others use traditional dials. In addition, modern cars sometimes have special start procedures for security reasons. Make sure you know how your vehicle works by reading the user manual and getting a feel by driving safely on a familiar road.
Don’t Drive Like an Idiot
Your driving style has a significant impact on how efficient your car is in terms of safety and fuel consumption. Driving recklessly can ruin a car, whether new or used. For instance, when you brake hard, make sharp turns, and rev the engine unnecessarily, your car gets stressed out. Also, using the wrong driving technique can be devastating. It’s important to remember that most road vehicles aren’t designed for racing and pace, so everything you learned when you were studying how to drive should apply. Slow down, treat it right, and don’t push it too hard.
Keep Your Car Safe
You’ll save tons of money if you keep your car safe. Unfortunately, almost nobody uses their garage for its true purpose: to protect their vehicles. So if you have one, you should use it. Your garage keeps the weather from damaging your vehicle. But it also keeps dirt and dust off and significantly reduces the chances of it being stolen. If you don’t have a garage, you can cover your car with canvas or plastic, which is a big help in winter. Also, consider where you park as your paint will get damaged by trees with falling leaves and birds that will poop on your car.
Summary
Your first car is vital in helping you get more experience on the road. But you need to choose wisely, putting safety first. But keep your car secure, so it can keep you safe too.