With the amount of money we spend on the payments, maintenance, and repair of our cars, you’d think we’d have a better relationship with our vehicles. But understanding our cars—how they work, how to care for them, repair costs—can be overwhelming. All the parts, fluids, guidelines to follow, and things that can go wrong make cars and repair garages seem intimidating, but they don’t have to be.
You don’t need to know everything about your car but you should have a handle on some of the basic elements. To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are five things you should know before you get behind the wheel:
1. Year, make and model
The first thing you should know about your car is the year it was manufactured, the make of the car, and the specific model. This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at the amount of people who do not know this information. Often they are mistaken on the year or the model, which can lead to big mistakes. Fluids, parts, and the accessories to repair and maintain your car are all based on the car’s year, make and model, so it’s critical to know the exact information. Design, construction and models of cars can change significantly in a year, and the parts required for your car will as well.
2. VIN
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is your car’s fingerprint. It is a 17-digit number that identifies your car’s manufacture date, place, make, model, engine size, etc. The VIN stays with the car throughout its life. You need to know where to find this number, but you don’t need to memorize it. The easiest way to find it is to stand outside of the vehicle on the driver’s side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. Your VIN is useful when talking to mechanics and insurance companies. You can use your VIN to look up information if you want to purchase a car or buy parts for it.
3. Maintenance schedule
Your best bet for keeping your car running well is sticking to your car’s specific maintenance schedule. Your schedule will tell you things like when to change your oil (it’s no longer 3,000 miles or every three months), when to check your fluids and when to rotate your tires. Each car has its own maintenance schedule that should be followed to maintain optimal performance, health and longevity of your car. Your maintenance schedule is in your owner’s manual or in the separate booklet that comes with your owner’s manual. Read it and strictly follow the recommendations for checking and replacing those parts or fluids in your car.
4. Tire pressure
Proper tire pressure is probably the most ignored maintenance concern on our cars. When that light pops up on the dashboard, we often wait until we need to fill up the gas tank. Then that time comes, and we don’t have any change for air or we just don’t feel like doing it. Neglecting this can decrease the life of our tires and force us to buy them more frequently. Tires are expensive, but some can last you over 50,000 miles if you take care of them correctly. On the flip side, make sure to never overfill your tires!
5. Engine light
While we may experience major anxiety when dashboard lights come on, they are a window into our car’s health. I always got nervous when a dashboard light would pop up because I dreaded what the mechanic would say was the cause. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your dashboard lights mean, as they vary among car manufacturers, but they may not express how important or insignificant certain lights are. I separate dashboard lights into three categories:
- Red: Get help now! These are sometimes related to passenger safety.
- Yellow: Check this out as soon as possible!
- Green or blue: Go or activated!
Understanding these key pieces of information is your first step to feeling in control of your car, talking to a mechanic with confidence and making better choices for your car’s maintenance.
Via Progressive
Comments (75):
Pedro 2 years Ago
ylmidi aayjv rhovzc iqdioqk vozstq poufnj Check oout myy site: <a href="https://nr37s705s1.com" rel="nofollow ugc">qoy</a>
lina usdt 1 year Ago
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Открыть счет в binance 12 months Ago
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.com/ru-UA/register-person?ref=T7KCZASX
binance register 11 months Ago
I don't think the title of your enticle matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the enticle. https://accounts.binance.com/en/register-person?ref=P9L9FQKY
avaxusdt 10 months Ago
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
vorbelutrioperbir 6 months Ago
I was examining some of your posts on this internet site and I believe this internet site is rattling informative ! Retain putting up. http://www.vorbelutrioperbir.com
graliontorile 6 months Ago
You have brought up a very fantastic details , appreciate it for the post. http://www.graliontorile.com/
註冊即可獲得 100 USDT 4 months Ago
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.com/zh-TC/register?ref=UM6SMJM3
https://undress.vip/ 3 months Ago
Very informative article. Great. https://undress.vip/
minnadeen5 3 months Ago
Thanks for finally talking about >5 Things Everyone Should Know About Their Car <Loved it!
Codice di riferimento binance 2 months Ago
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.com/it/register?ref=S5H7X3LP
binance Anmeldebonus 2 months Ago
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
binance anm”alningsbonus 2 months Ago
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Xenia 1 month Ago
Do you have any video of that? I'd want to find out some additional information. my website :: <a href="https://bryggargillet.nordmark.org/index.php/6_Expository_Essay_Examples_Samples_In_DOC" rel="nofollow ugc">Amera</a>
Gary 1 month Ago
It's very straightforward to find out any topic on net as compared to books, as I found this article at this website. Here is my blog post ... <a href="http://fourtoons.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=32382" rel="nofollow ugc">Tiela</a>
Didi 1 month Ago
For most up-to-date information you have to go to see the web and on world-wide-web I found this web page as a finest web site for latest updates. my web blog :: <a href="https://factbook.info/index.php/How_To_Write_Down_An_Essay:_A_Beginner%E2%80%99s_Guide_To_Earning_An_A_Essay_Score" rel="nofollow ugc">Benny</a>
Faydra 1 month Ago
Keep on working, great job! Also visit my homepage - <a href="http://medtehnika22.ru/bitrix/rk.php?goto=http://urlki.com/s3useast005backblazeb2com821191" rel="nofollow ugc">Islam</a>
Lashawnna 1 month Ago
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog! Feel free to surf to my blog post; <a href="https://www.flynonrev.com/airlines/index.php/Understanding_The_Speech_Format_-_Detailed_Guide_Examples" rel="nofollow ugc">Jann</a>
Pamelia 1 month Ago
Awesome! Its really remarkable piece of writing, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this article. Here is my webpage :: <a href="https://hellobine.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=279943" rel="nofollow ugc">Taleshia</a>
Cederick 1 month Ago
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, let alone the content! My homepage - <a href="http://fpcom.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=604887" rel="nofollow ugc">Jadie</a>
Sabin 1 month Ago
I have read a few good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you place to make such a excellent informative web site. Stop by my site <a href="http://hanminzoknews.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=579126" rel="nofollow ugc">Alejandra</a>
Shirelle 1 month Ago
It's going to be end of mine day, however before finish I am reading this enormous piece of writing to improve my know-how. My blog post: <a href="http://xn--e1aaqjt5d.xn--p1ai/redirect?url=https%3a%2f%2fgg.gg%2Fs3us-east-005backblazeb2com34024" rel="nofollow ugc">Charisma</a>
Angelise 1 month Ago
Hi, its good piece of writing concerning media print, we all understand media is a fantastic source of facts. my homepage: <a href="https://www.bingly.cn/go.php?url=shorl.com%2Fgrinutotograke" rel="nofollow ugc">Zara</a>
Nova 1 month Ago
Yes! Finally someone writes about website. Here is my site ... <a href="https://wiki.beingesports.com/index.php?title=User:12Karan48a" rel="nofollow ugc">Dierdre</a>
Rhiannon 1 month Ago
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am in fact impressed to read all at one place. Here is my web page: <a href="https://exelltech.ru/bitrix/rk.php?goto=https://shorl.com/miliperolabru" rel="nofollow ugc">Kiesha</a>
Karista 1 month Ago
I am in fact thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this great piece of writing at at this time. Here is my page ... <a href="http://smarty3.returnway.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=134448" rel="nofollow ugc">Alek</a>
Roshaunda 1 month Ago
It's really a cool and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing. my blog post; <a href="https://www.mastickorea.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=950482" rel="nofollow ugc">Gerome</a>
Chyvonne 1 month Ago
I every time spent my half an hour to read this website's posts every day along with a cup of coffee. My web-site :: <a href="https://xn--80aac1bkjlfpo0g.xn--p1ai/go/url=https://www.darknesstr.com/businessnewstimeneocitiesorg963812" rel="nofollow ugc">Esha</a>
Samnang 1 month Ago
Hello to every single one, it's in fact a nice for me to visit this web site, it includes priceless Information. Check out my homepage <a href="http://miquelduran.net/index.php?title=Ultimate_Guide_To_Creative_Writing_Therapy_with_Writing_Therapy_Prompts_-_Made_With_Lemons" rel="nofollow ugc">Jen</a>
Bashir 1 month Ago
continuously i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading here. My homepage: <a href="https://wmzforum.info/redirect.php?url=http://via.mathi.eu/ewr1vultrobjectscom951968" rel="nofollow ugc">Shanese</a>
Nadira 1 month Ago
It is truly a nice and useful piece of info. I'm glad that you just shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. Review my blog :: <a href="http://tt-life.info/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=34150" rel="nofollow ugc">Romana</a>
Zakee 1 month Ago
It's in fact very complex in this busy life to listen news on TV, therefore I just use world wide web for that purpose, and take the newest news. Here is my blog <a href="https://sobrouremedio.com.br/author/52colt77/" rel="nofollow ugc">Kelci</a>
Skipper 1 month Ago
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates. my site; <a href="http://r.dma.kr/apps/gnuboard54/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=97673" rel="nofollow ugc">Artur</a>
Katryn 1 month Ago
I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written! my web-site :: <a href="https://institutogdali.com/blog/index.php?entryid=149624" rel="nofollow ugc">Alene</a>
Kalisa 1 month Ago
This post is priceless. How can I find out more? Look into my webpage; <a href="https://luxuriousrentz.com/importance-of-time-management-the-ultimate-guide/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sila</a>
Trinity 1 month Ago
It's not my first time to pay a quick visit this site, i am visiting this web site dailly and obtain fastidious information from here everyday. Stop by my web page <a href="https://papushe.com/10-tips-for-creating-supportive-environments-that-can-prevent-behaviors-that-challenge-us/" rel="nofollow ugc">Nettie</a>
Tai 1 month Ago
Wow, this article is good, my sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore I am going to tell her. Feel free to visit my blog post: <a href="https://www.klickerkids.de/index.php?url=http://korta.st/makemoneyonlinebcdnnet488160" rel="nofollow ugc">Homar</a>
Donte 1 month Ago
You made some really good points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website. Also visit my page; <a href="http://stby.uralinform.ru/azbanner/goto.php?URL=http%3a%2f%2furlky.com%2Feducationalsupporttipss3amazonawscom172523&ID=5806" rel="nofollow ugc">Linde</a>
Carmon 1 month Ago
Very good info. Lucky me I recently found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later! Check out my webpage - <a href="https://www.meteofuno.it/plugins/deviations/redirect.php?url=http%3a%2f%2fmerky.de%2Fh0teng" rel="nofollow ugc">Kelse</a>
Reshard 1 month Ago
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and the rest of the website is also really good. Here is my page: <a href="https://prosingler.com/free/3-ways-for-children-to-support-children/" rel="nofollow ugc">Mikhaila</a>
hershel87s 1 month Ago
Inspiring story there. What happened after? Thanks!
opheliablundston 4 weeks Ago
How Pornstar UK Has Become The Top Trend In Social Media pornstar Uk
Stephan 3 weeks Ago
Amazing! Its really awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this post. Feel free to visit my webpage <a href="http://103.179.56.20/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://103.179.56.20/</a>
Nate 3 weeks Ago
Awesome article. Have a look at my web site; <a href="https://157.245.1.101/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://157.245.1.101/</a>
krissunderland 2 weeks Ago
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
Dustin 2 weeks Ago
It's an amazing article for all the web people; they will obtain benefit from it I am sure. Also visit my blog :: <a href="https://jaya-9.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">big cock</a>
Isabelle 2 weeks Ago
Ꮤһat's up, just wɑnted to tｅll yоu, I enjoyed tһis article. It was funny. Keeρ on posting! Feel free tߋ visit my web blog ... <a href="http://103.23.198.30/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://103.23.198.30/</a>
Wallace 2 weeks Ago
This post provides clear idea in support of the new people of blogging, that in fact how to do blogging. My blog: <a href="https://purple-vape.com/lobang/sempit/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://purple-vape.com/lobang/sempit/</a>
dottylqx132364 2 weeks Ago
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Cheers
Kaylene 2 weeks Ago
If you would like to get a great deal from this paragraph then you have to apply these methods to your won web site. Here is my website: <a href="http://103.59.95.240/ESSEBET88/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://103.59.95.240/ESSEBET88/</a>
sherlenegillingh 2 weeks Ago
Hurrah, that's what I was searching for, what a data! present here at this website, thanks admin of this web page.
johnsonmolloy2 2 weeks Ago
10 Things We Hate About Pornstars With Onlyfans Pornstars with Onlyfans
lucille9544 2 weeks Ago
Thanks in support of sharing such a nice idea, post is nice, thats why i have read it completely
lilymckenny 2 weeks Ago
If you wish for to increase your knowledge only keep visiting this website and be updated with the most up-to-date gossip posted here.
Cortez 2 weeks Ago
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet viewers, its really really fastidious article on building up new web site. My site :: <a href="https://jaya9.biz/" rel="nofollow ugc">ass fuking</a>
fredeubanks114 2 weeks Ago
Good info. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I've book marked it for later!
amberratley98 2 weeks Ago
I really like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the terrific works guys I've added you guys to my own blogroll.
irvintarleton54 2 weeks Ago
Reisebusfahrten sind ebenfalls untersagt.
rosemariebobadil 2 weeks Ago
Your method of explaining everything in this piece of writing is actually fastidious, all be capable of without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
aletheadecker3 2 weeks Ago
I know this web site provides quality dependent articles or reviews and extra data, is there any other website which presents these information in quality?
desmondyancey 1 week Ago
In diesem Artikel stellen wir eine Auswahl von TikTok Downloader ohne Wasserzeichen vor, die das Herunterladen in klarer und unmarkierter Form ermöglichen.
isiahisles3 1 week Ago
I've learn several excellent stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you set to create one of these magnificent informative website.
maritzascherer2 1 week Ago
Car nashville accident Attorney lawyers have a lot of experience dealing with these kinds of situations and will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive an offer that covers all your losses.
Barbra 1 week Ago
Good way of explaining, and nice article to take data concerning my presentation subject matter, which i am going to convey in institution of higher education. Look at my web-site; <a href="https://bit.ly/49FJUCx" rel="nofollow ugc">make mobile app</a>
ashelyfleck0 6 days Ago
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this page.
yolandatreadwell 5 days Ago
This website certainly has all the info I needed concerning this subject and didn't know who to ask.
kiangarner 5 days Ago
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly think this website needs far more attention. I'll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
Leona 5 days Ago
This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks! my blog :: <a href="http://www.testadsl.net/forum/post.php?fid=8" rel="nofollow ugc">www</a>
marctrejo0 4 days Ago
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I've book marked it for later!
Kristofer 4 days Ago
My relatives always say that I am killing my time here at <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/nicholasnewton/home" rel="nofollow ugc">web,</a> however I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes pleasant posts.
Jody 3 days Ago
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate? my blog ... <a href="https://jaya-9.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">xxx girl</a>
Shalanda 2 days Ago
bookmarked!!, I like your website! My web site ... <a href="https://matkafasi.com/user/gentrygarcia0" rel="nofollow ugc">strona,</a>
Binance referal code 1 day Ago
I don't think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
carmahoss098231 11 hours Ago
https://bogin27.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/research/bogin27-(222).html Plan nicely upfront, so you'll not get too careworn and might help both your son or daughter with the wedding preparations.
henrymelville 11 hours Ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.