Buying your first-ever car, whether brand new or second-hand, can be one of the most exciting milestones. As one of the most expensive investments, and as a new owner, it’s your responsibility to keep it in good condition. However, at first, it can be overwhelming, but once you’re used to having a car, your routine will eventually improve.

Maintaining a car, especially a used one, can be a demanding task, requiring considerable effort, financial resources, and time. However, if you continue to ensure that your car is updated and well-maintained, it can be guaranteed to last a long time.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you should do to protect your first-ever car.

1. Avail of a Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Before you start driving around, make sure to have comprehensive auto insurance. Since this is your first time owning a car, it’s recommended to hire an insurance broker. They have all the knowledge and information about the best insurance providers and coverages that a new car owner should have.

Once you’ve made the purchase, start looking for the best insurance broker in your area. On the other hand, if you’re sure that you can purchase your car on a specific day, looking for an insurance broker in advance is also possible.

2. Install Anti-Theft Devices

No matter where you park your car, there’s still a high chance of encountering theft. So, as a new owner, it’s your responsibility to install anti-theft devices. Fortunately, nowadays, there are various devices available in the market that cater to the specific needs of car owners.

Aside from having car insurance, installing anti-theft devices serves as an additional layer of protection for your car.

3. Park the Car Properly

Another significant safety measure that you should always keep in mind is to park smartly. If you’re in a suspicious area, avoid parking in a spot that may attract accidents and theft. So, wherever you are, ensure to park in a well-lit area that also has other cars around.

At the same time, there are types of accidents that aren’t inflicted by humans, so look for spots with no trees and that aren’t prone to flooding.

4. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule

As early as possible, schedule your maintenance and don’t forget to stick to it. Besides, following the car maintenance service can help identify initial issues that should be addressed immediately. These types of issues, when neglected, often turn into bigger problems that may become a burden in the future.

5. Keep the Interior and Exterior Clean

Aside from maintaining the mechanical parts of the car, you should also ensure that the body and interior are both in good condition. For the interior, always declutter and vacuum at least every few days.

On the other hand, the exterior should be washed regularly to remove dirt and other contaminants. In addition, always apply wax that may serve as an additional coating or protection.

6. Invest in Quality Car Accessories

Aside from the basic car care routine, investing in high-quality car accessories is also a must. Some of the common accessories other car owners have include seat covers, floor mats, car covers, sunshades, and organisers. The more accessories you buy, the higher the protection level you’re giving to your car.

7. Monitor Tire Pressure 

Even if your tyres seem okay, you should still ask for professional assistance when observing them. Some of the factors to observe when looking at car tyres include the pressure, appearance, and performance while you’re driving the car.

Besides, having problems with the tyres may result in accidents and long-term problems. For instance, if the tyres aren’t properly maintained, you might encounter problems while driving, and it may cause fuel inefficiency.

8. Avoid Aggressive Driving

Even if you’re too excited to go to your destination, don’t be too aggressive when driving. Aside from preventing car accidents, driving in the right manner can also conserve fuel, preserve your tyres and brakes, and ensure that the overall health of your car is in good condition.

9. Save Important Documents

After purchasing your car, availing of insurance, and proceeding to various processes, ensure to save and keep track of the essential documents. Even if you think it’s just a simple receipt, you should keep it along with other essential documents. In addition, ensure that you can assess them whenever needed.

10. Learn Basic Car Care Skills

Even if you’re at home, you should also apply some basic care to ensure that your car is in good condition. Besides, if there are times when you rarely use your car, you might encounter problems when you finally use it. For instance, you should make it a habit to check the fuel levels, learn how to jumpstart the battery and add essential fluids.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first car can be one of the most exciting ventures in life. Although there are various things to learn and experience, you’ll get used to them in the long run. Keep in mind that a well-maintained car tends to last longer.