11/12/2020
5 Basic Things Every Car Owner Should Know
You don’t need an advanced education in automotive mechanics to know the basic things about your car. In fact, having a clear understanding about the fundamentals of vehicle mechanics is enough to help you protect your investment, keep it out of the shop, and reduce maintenance costs.
To help you feel more confident, we’ve listed below the five basic things that every car owner needs to know:
1️⃣ VIN NUMBER
The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the identifying code for a SPECIFIC automobile. It serves as the car’s fingerprint, as no tow vehicles in operation have the same VIN. A VIN displays the car’s unique features, specifications and manufacturer. It can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.
2️⃣ LICENSE PLATE
A vehicle’s registration plate, also known as a number or license plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle for official identification purposes. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle owner within the issuing region’s vehicle register.
3️⃣ YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL
As a car owner, it’s very important that you should know your car’s manufacturing year, the make of the car, and the specific model. This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at the amount of people who do not know this information. Fluids, parts, and the accessories to repair and maintain your car are all based on these pieces of information, so it should never be forgotten.
4️⃣ TYRE PRESSURE
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is important for many reasons not only keeping your vehicle in good shape but also keeping everyone safe on the road. Improperly inflated tyres will also cost you money and impact a car’s performance. Your fuel efficiency could suffer, for example causing you to pay more at the fuel pump.
5️⃣ OILS
Using the wrong oil can result in costly engine damage. So, how would you know you pick the right one for your vehicle?
⚠️ Conventional Oil is a lubricant that is derived directly from crude oil. It has excellent properties that allow it to provide lubrication at high temperatures, as well as maintaining its stability over long periods of time. Older model vehicles are designed to use conventional oil. This is the least expensive type of oil.
⚠️ Synthetic-blend is a mix of conventional motor oils and synthetic base stocks. Because of the added synthetic base stock, you’re not going to get more performance and protection than you would by using a conventional oil alone.
⚠️ Full-synthetic begin with base oil. However, extensive refining processes remove more impurities than with conventional oil. This is ideal for vehicles that demand ultimate levels of protection. This is the most expensive type of oil.
It is, however, highly advisable to refer to your vehicle’s manual for the type of oil your vehicle requires.