5 Things New Car Owners Should Know

Just bought a car and know nothing about car maintenance? And what happens if the car tyre punctures? Being a new car owner, you should know about some of the key things associated with your new cars.

1. Cover yourself with Insurance

Unless you don’t drive, always cover your car with insurance. Something is better than nothing as accidents do happen (That’s why they are called accidents, duh). Be informed that the cheapest car insurance is not always the best. Some common things are to cover yourself as well as any other drivers that can potentially use your car frequently.

2. Check tyre pressure

Correct tyre pressure can help to extend the life of your tyre and also optimize fuel efficiency.

I learnt about this yesterday. I did not notice until my Dad pointed out to me that I can find the recommended car tyre pressure at the side of the car door (varies between cars). I check my tyre pressure every 2-3 weeks.

Filling up air pressure is not as tedious as it may sound. Essentially, just head to the nearest petrol station, key in the desired air pressure to the machine, remove the cap, connect the hose to the inlet, and let the air flow automatically until its full. Filling a basketball with air uses more energy.

3. Servicing your car

Check your car manual where there should be a maintenance schedule. My mechanic recommends a normal servicing at every 6 months or 10,000km on the road for my 8-year old car. The process will take about 2 hours.

Situations you might get into

1. Dead Battery

We all have forgetful times where we left the headlights on and walked off. And thus, the car would not start. 

It is not a time consuming process to jump start the car, but you’ll need to call a friend to help you on this, or if you are lucky, a nearby patrol car. 

2. Flat tyre

I asked around on my car owner friends whether they know how to fix a flat tyre. 50% remarked that they didn’t know who. Of the 50% who knew, 80% did not worry about it until it really happened. They usually call a friend who knows when that time happens. Fortunately, encountering a flat tyre is not a typical thing on well-kept Singapore roads. That said, tyres do expire and this is a must-know for car owners.

You essentially have 3 choices in such a situation:

1. Do it yourself

Yes it is possible. With the advent of technology, ironically city dwellers have somewhat became weaker. Find some time to learn how to do it from your friends or online.  The tools and spare tyre is in the boot of most cars.

How to do it yourself

1. Bring out spare tyre

2. Jack the tyre up with the car jack

3. Take off the wheel lugs

4. Remove  flat tyre and replace with spare tyre

Tip: this sounds like 4 simple steps, but you may find it challenging without actual experience. Common feedback is that it is hard to remove the nuts with the tools

Warning: Safety First!

Don’t try to change wheel on the shoulder of a busy expressway, uneven ground.

When jacking, be sure to jack only at specified jacking points, and do not work under the car.

2. Call a friend who knows

Be sure to buy him a good meal for being a true friend.

3. Call a tow truck

If the hole is small, you can still drive to the tyre shop. If not, you’ll have to spend some money to get a tow truck. Google and you can find tow truck and car tyre services, including 24-hour ones.

Do you have more tips to share? Leave a comment!

EUFASS