Buying a car for the first time is one of the most exciting experiences that any of us will have. No matter how old you are, there is nothing quite like buying your first car!

That said, there are some important tips to be aware of to properly care for your vehicle. While you may be able to visit an auto body shop in Brighton from time to time, some basic care tips can go a long way. Here are some of the most helpful tips to follow!

Start with the Owner’s Manual

While it may seem like the owner’s manual is just a useless stack of paper to keep in your glovebox, it can come in handy more than you realise. The owner’s manual tells you everything that you need to know about the various features of your car.

There is a good chance that the manual will have a lot of stuff in there that you did not know, too. There are also specifications that your car must adhere to, so check the owner’s manual if you aren’t sure where to start.

Be Alert

Sometimes it doesn’t take being a skilled mechanic to realise that something is wrong. Use your senses – and a bit of common sense – and you can identify issues early. Be aware of any unusual smells, noises, or fluid leaks.

Pay attention to the performance of your vehicle, too. If you notice that there are differences in things such as acceleration, braking, or steering, it will be worth your time to have your car checked out. Being able to identify issues early can mean the difference between a quick repair and a total replacement of that component.

Routine Maintenance

It would be shocking to know just how many people do not perform basic maintenance on their cars. There are even some who are not aware that cars need oil changes from time to time. That routine maintenance may seem small and inconsequential, but it adds up over time.

Know your oil change schedule. Get your tires rotated when you get your oil changed, and know your tire pressure. Far too many people are unaware of what levels their tire pressure needs to be at. Tires that are either underinflated or overinflated can have a serious impact on the performance of your vehicle. The basics may be just that, but they can go a long way toward the care of your vehicle.

Pamper Your Vehicle

While it may seem like regular car washes are a simple aesthetic thing, there is more than meets the eye. Taking care of your car with regular washing and waxing can help to preserve the paint job against the litany of things challenging it.

Bug splatter, corrosive salt, bird droppings, and a plethora of other things are all trying to degrade the paint. Regular washing and waxing can help to eliminate those things before they can do any damage. Moreover, those things give your vehicle’s paint job the armour that it needs to stand the test of time.

No matter what type of vehicle you have, a little care goes a long way. While there is nothing that can be done in the event of an accident, almost everything else can be managed. With these tips and tricks in mind, you can keep your car running optimally for a long time to come. It will help to keep your vehicle on the road longer, too.

On the lookout for experienced and reliable mechanics to carry out your car repairs? The skilled specialists at Brighton Panel Works are the people for the job! As an authorised vehicle repairer to prestige brands including but not limited to Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and many more, we have provided a guaranteed quality assurance service for over 50 years. We offer quality automotive repairs and services such as hail damage repair, car smash repairs as well as car paint matching services, from start to finish.  Contact us today for more information!