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Five car repairs every new driver should know how to do

If you bought a new car and want to keep it in top form, these are the five car repairs you should know how to do.

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There is a lot of responsibility that comes with becoming a new driver. But beyond focusing on the rules of the road and keeping yourself and others safe, you need to be responsible for the condition of your vehicle as well. A mechanic can help you with most of your problems, but it’s smart to be self-sufficient in a few areas of car repair. This is not a how-to guide, but a basic overview of the skills you should acquire.

How to put air in your tires

Driving on low tires can lead to a precarious driving situation, and end up causing more damage than it’s worth. Topping off the air in your tires is one of the easiest “car repairs” possible, so there’s no reason to not know how to do it. You’ll want to purchase your own air gauge (gas station gauges usually aren’t very accurate) and know how to read it.

How to change your oil

How to change your oilChanging your oil twice or more a year is a necessary routine that most leave up to the mechanics. But it’s a simple enough task that you should learn how to do it yourself. This will help you familiarize yourself with the inner workings of your car and save some money at the same time. You’ll have to purchase your own oil, however, so do your research and make sure you’re choosing the best variety for your car and your needs.

How to change your brake pads

This may not be as routine, but it will save you a lot of money to be able to do this yourself. Changing your brake pads is a bit more complicated and will require time and research to get it right. It’s important for every new driver to stay in touch with their brakes, however, and be able to recognize the sign that the pads need to be replaced. You will have to purchase the brake pads, brake fluid, and other tools necessary yourself, but you can save hundreds of dollars by doing it yourself.

How to change a tire

The last thing you want as a new driver is to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire and no way to fix it. Educating yourself on how to change a tire before you find yourself in a situation is best, so you’ll want to learn as soon as possible. Always make sure you have a car jack and a spare tire in your trunk at all times, and make sure you understand and take all safety precautions when changing a tire on the side of the road.

How to troubleshoot

How to troubleshootWhile this is not necessarily a repair, every new driver or car owner should be able to recognize the signs of a problem in their car and know exactly what needs to be done. You should know what each strange sound, leak, smell, and smoke plume could indicate, and this will help you not only get it fixed in a timely manner but also communicate effectively to the mechanic in a case where a professional is needed.

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Maintaining a vehicle is difficult, but it’s never too late to learn how to be self-sufficient. Knowing when to go to a professional or not is tough, so trust your instinct and find auto repair shops you trust. The more you know your car and how to keep it in top shape, the more fearless you can be as you take to the roads. Visit Young's Tire Service to learn more about taking care of your tires. 

 Photo Credit: (1) Carbon Arc, (2) Stampest via Compfight cc

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