6 Important Things to Do After Buying a Car
Buying a new car is exciting, whether it’s brand new or used. That said, don’t let your excitement get in the way of some things you need to do right after your purchase.
Here’s a quick list to help you get the most important matters sorted ASAP:
Read the Manual
Once you get a hold of your car, one of the first must-dos is to read the owner’s manual. Most people do their research about the vehicle they want to buy, but this usually covers only the “top line” stuff like the interior features.
Some of the things you need to learn from the manual include:
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How to open the hood
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Where everything is under the hood, including the fluid tanks/reservoirs
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Where the switches are located
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The recommended tyre pressure
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The recommended fuel for your car
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What the warning lights mean
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How to troubleshoot common issues
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When to get maintenance services
By reading your car’s manual, you’ll be more aware of its features so that you can drive your car with utmost comfort and confidence. It will also help you become a more responsible car owner and road user.
Find a Reliable Auto Parts Supplier
No matter how expensive your car may be and no matter how careful a driver you are, your vehicle’s components will eventually need replacement. Even if you don’t get into accidents (and let’s hope you don’t!), natural wear and tear will still take its toll.
To make your life a little easier when the time comes for replacements, make sure to find a reliable auto parts supplier for guaranteed high-quality products. This is especially important if you bought a used car or a model that’s considered “classic” because the components may be more difficult to find.
Set Things to Your Preference
Once you’re inside your vehicle, make sure to adjust everything to your preference. First and foremost, adjust the seats so you can comfortably reach the pedals and hold the steering wheel. You should also learn where the controls are, especially those for the lights and windshield wipers (though if you’ve read the manual, you probably already know these).
If your vehicle has an entertainment and navigation console, it’s best to set everything up before you drive. For your navigation system, in particular, you may want to enter your most-visited destinations like your workplace or child’s school.
Get Your Insurance and Other Documents Straight
Do note that it’s not compulsory to have car insurance in New Zealand. That said, when your car is insured, you can drive with more peace of mind. Fortunately, getting your car insured is relatively simple.
To make things even easier, you can shop around for an insurer before you buy your car. Request quotes and asks important questions like the scope and amount of coverage. This way, you’ll be ready to sign documents almost as soon as you drive off the lot.
Other documents that you should get in order include the car’s title, as well as all your registration and tax paperwork.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
You never know when you’ll run into an unfavourable situation, so it’s best to be prepared for them. Ideally, you should have an emergency kit for car troubles and a small bag with basic necessities.
For your car emergency kit, include the following items:
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Jumper cables
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A rechargeable flashlight
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A multitool
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A car jack and other tyre replacement tools
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Tyre patching kit
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Emergency warning triangles
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Fire extinguisher
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Duct tape
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Towing Equipment
Your car emergency kit should also have a first aid kit. Some of the basics that should be in this kit include wound care supplies, triangle bandages, safety pins, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic wipes, rash creams, painkillers, antihistamines, and clean water.
Meanwhile, for your personal items, having a change of clothes and some hygiene items like toothpaste, a toothbrush, some soap, and wet wipes will be beneficial. An umbrella is also helpful. Of course, don’t forget your charging cables and power banks to keep your devices alive.
Drive It
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to drive your car for longer trips. Obviously, you’re going to drive your vehicle anyway but you should ideally have a “getting to know you” stage. This will allow you to get used to how your new car handles and what it’s capable of. Indeed, no matter how long you’ve been driving, there will still be an adjustment period when you use a new vehicle.
Owning a car is a privilege and, more importantly, also a responsibility. This entails knowing your car inside and out, as well as being prepared for emergencies. Hopefully, doing these 6 things can help you be more familiar with your car and how it works so you can use it well.