13 Car Maintenance Tips For New Drivers

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November 17, 2021

It's human nature to be unaware of the most basic things. It's just how our brains are wired, whether due to being ignorant or simply for self-preservation. This logic seems to carry over into many aspects of life, including car maintenance. 

As a result of this lack of knowledge, some individuals have never even changed their oil before buying their first vehicle and end up paying someone else to do it. 

They will never learn any of the needed skills when the time comes for them to take care of their car. 

To avoid this problem from happening to you, be sure to check out these ten car maintenance tips for new drivers:

1.  Oil Change

Change your oil regularly, so your engine doesn't burn out. Cars use a small amount of oil, but it is crucial all the same. If you follow this tip, you won't have to pay hundreds of dollars on an engine replacement or repair bill someday down the road. 

You can even change your oil with just a few simple tools and a little time.

2.  Air Filters

Check your air filter now and then to prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from entering your engine when they aren't supposed to. Air filters can be expensive to replace, so clean your own with compressed air and a rag.

It'll make the process more cost-effective for you in the long run. This is an easy job that takes a little time out of your day when you change the oil.

3.  Tire Pressure

Check those tire pressures every month or two as recommended by your car's manufacturer, as under-inflated tires will wear out over time. Driving on flat tires is very unsafe and dangerous.

Going on a road trip? Be sure to bring along an extra tire to save yourself from being stranded on the side of the road somewhere far away from home.

4.  Tire Rotation

Learn how to rotate your tires regularly once they start wearing down. This will help your tires last longer than if you don't do anything at all. 

Regularly rotating your tires also helps improve gas mileage. It's not hard at all to do this yourself, either, with only a few simple tools needed.

5.  Changing a Flat Tire

Learn how to change a flat tire yourself in case you ever find yourself with a flat tire while driving on the highway or somewhere else where there aren't any auto shops around.

6.  Fuels

Learn the difference between standard and premium fuel to save some money on your car payment at the pump. It will reduce wear and tear if you use fuel that is designed for your vehicle. Do some research before filling up next time.

7.  Lights

Learn how to check all your lights both inside and out. Lights are essential for your safety and other drivers' safety, so it may be beneficial to take either a driver's education course or go online to learn how to check your lights properly.

8.  Basic Tools to Have in the Trunk

Get some basic tools to do many of these simple jobs yourself if you have the time, as it can save you money over time.

9.  Basic Car Maintenance

Learn how to perform some basic car maintenance procedures so that your car continues to run well for years after purchase. Some examples are changing oil, air filters, and fluid levels. 

These tasks are easy enough with just a little bit of practice and can be very worthwhile for keeping your vehicle running at its prime. 

By learning the ins and outs of your car now, you will save yourself some money down the road and gain satisfaction knowing that you took care of something yourself. 

Also, if something goes wrong with the vehicle in the future, these skills will come in very handy.

10. Battery Fluid

Learn how to check your battery fluid levels. Your battery will eventually run out, and you'll need to get a new one, so it's best if you catch the problem right away before it gets worse. Battery level maintenance is essential for your car, so check this often.

11. Jump-Starting the Battery

Learn how to jump-start your battery (if needed). Also, learn when it is safe or unsafe to do so without damaging either your vehicle or the other car when using jumper cables. 

12. Washing Your Car

Learn how to wash your car and even give it detailing jobs, so you don't have to pay someone else to do it for you. This way, you can catch potential problems before they become significant issues later down the road.

13. Junk in the Trunk

Clean out the junk in your trunk now and then if you use it regularly. If you're hauling things like old clothes, empty boxes, or tools that are no longer needed, be sure to donate them right away or toss them. 

Because of the added weight, they could damage your car's mechanics or interfere with its aerodynamics, increasing fuel consumption.

Check Our Blog

It’s a blog for all things about cars! Next time you need repairs or maintenance done on your vehicle, take note of these tips and try completing them yourself without breaking too much sweat or leaving with empty pockets.


Surge Auto Glass Repair is interested in helping you learn more about car maintenance. We want you to have a satisfying driving experience. That is why we are bringing you articles that we think might help.

Since we are in the auto glass repair and replacement business, check out our blog articles about windshield repair that you might find useful.

For all your auto glass repair and replacement needs in St Catharines, we are the company to trust. Bring your car to our shop, and we guarantee you won't be disappointed. Our technicians are highly trained and very friendly. We handle any make or model, large or small. 

Please give us a call today!

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