Important Car Preparation Checks for First Time Car Buyers

Owning a car gives one a feeling of pure greatness especially when it is the first car. However, cars come with responsibilities which when ignored, could easily be your own undoing. Cars, like any other machine, need to be taken care of. They need to be pampered. It is mostly the smallest of problems on a vehicle that results in big issues that might be detrimental to the car, pose physical danger to you and other road users. It is therefore important for all car users to observe safety practices for their safety and that of other people.

Check around your car
A walk around the car before you get in the car is the best thing you can do before you hit the road in your new ride. You can spot any obstacles that might be lying around the vehicle therefore posing a hazard. Sometimes pets like hiding under vehicles. You can then from under there, thus saving their lives. You could be having a flat tire and without checking, you will not notice this. This is also a good time to see if your car was damaged in your last drive.

Check under the hood
Though this is one of the oldest recommended checks in the automotive world, some people still ignore it. You will know the level of the oil as well as the water in your radiator tank. Your oil could be leaking or it could have been used up and you need a refill. A refill on the radiator tank will also be a safety check.

Tire pressure check
This is perhaps the most ignored part of all preparation checks. It is important that you check your car tire pressure before you leave on a long drive. This will prevent accidents and damages related to your car tire or rim. The check can save your life. You will know about any possible leaks or flat tires and correct the situation before something goes wrong. It is also crucial that you check the pressure on the spare wheel too or you will be stranded once you get a flat tire and find that your spare is also flat. Note that temperature will interfere with car pressure levels and thus you should make adjustments when necessary.

Seat Check
After the checks outside the car, you should get into the car and then adjust your seat enough to let you reach the pedals properly and have a clear view of the road in front of you. Make sure that you are sitting at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to avoid being hurt by the airbag in case you are involved in an accident.

Mirror check
Once the seat is in place, you should check that all mirrors are in position. The correct setting of the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors will eliminate the blind spots that cause many accidents.

Steering wheel Check
Once the mirrors are set properly, confirm that the steering wheel is in the correct position for an easy comfortable drive. Most people think this is not important but when you are driving for a relatively longer distance, then you will feel the fatigue that comes with uncomfortable driving. After steering wheel adjustments, fasten your seat belt. Seat belts were installed in vehicles to keep the occupants’ safety and thus you should ensure you and other occupants wear them.

With all the aforementioned checks in place, you are ready to drive off as long as your engine check light is not on and your fuel gauge is not on E. This and the other important preparation checks, combined with safe driving, will ensure you get to your destination safe.