List of essential car maintenance tips that teenagers must follow 11^th January 2023

Certain privileges become accessible only after attaining a specific age. In India, the legal age to drive motorised vehicles is 18 years. If you have recently become eligible to drive legally, congratulations! Driving is one of the first activities that excite youngsters.

However, you must be extremely careful with your first vehicle. Reckless driving puts your life, car, and third parties in danger, so you must always practise safe driving and purchase the best car insurance in India to safeguard your finances. Regular car servicing is crucial to prevent frequent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Here are some essential car maintenance tips that all teenagers must follow if they have already obtained a driving licence.

1. Keep the manual accessible:
Four-wheelers are complex vehicles with several parts that require specific maintenance. Unless you are an automobile professional, it is unlikely to know every part's specifications. Do not shy away from using the manufacturer's manual as a guide to understanding details about your car. You can also find solutions to common problems like changing flat tyres and tips to jumpstart your car.

2. Don't neglect the battery:
An often overlooked auto part, your car's battery can leave you stranded when neglected. Dragging engine sounds are an early sign of a drained battery. Ensure to pay attention to such signs and turn off the engine, radio, cabin lights, etc., when not in use to prevent battery drain.
While most batteries claim to have a life of up to 6 years, they usually wear out within three years, depending on use, making it necessary to keep a check and replace it when you notice early signs of voltage drops.

3. Replace your windshield wipers:
Visibility is crucial to driving safely. Before turning on the ignition, ensure that your side and rear mirrors and windshield are clean. This ensures proper visibility of the incoming and surrounding cars to make appropriate judgements on the road.
Wiper blades enable the windshield to stay obstruction-free. Since they are made of rubber, they may wear out and leave streaks on the glass, making it challenging to drive confidently. Therefore, ensure that you periodically inspect the state of your windshield wipers and replace them when worn.

4. Pay attention to engine oil:
It is essential to pay attention to the heart of your car- the engine. The engine's functioning depends on the seamless working of several parts facilitated by the lubrication provided by the engine oil. If you do not replace your engine oil periodically as per the manual, excessive friction and contaminated oil may damage the engine parts. Leave this task to professionals to identify any issues simultaneously.

5. Check your tyres:
Irrespective of terrain, maintenance of tyres is an essential aspect of car upkeep that you must consider. It is critical to do so to ensure proper gripping and weight balancing to prevent accidents. Ensure you periodically rotate your tyres and check the air pressure, tread depth, and wheel alignment.

6. Replace your pedals:
The ABCs in a car- Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch are primary necessities that must function properly to ensure a smooth driving experience. However, frequent use leads to the wearing out of the ceramic pads over the metal discs that engage the systems. Therefore, keep track of the pedals' sound and thickness when your car is inspected to identify signs that the pedals require replacement.

As beginners, it is challenging to keep track of every minute detail. However, with time and relying on expert guidance and the car manual, it is easy to maintain your car's prime state. Ensure you regularly service your vehicle and purchase the best car insurance in India to take your mind off the safety aspect and allow you to focus on driving safely!

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.