First-time car owners who’ve worked hard to buy a new car will feel this way about it.
Are you a first-time car owner? If you are, then you’ve probably been getting a lot of advice from friends, relatives and even the salesperson who sold you the car.
But you don’t have to know everything about cars in order to own one.
Here are five things you must never do as a first-time new car owner.
1) FAIL TO SERVICE YOUR CAR ON TIME.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time car owner. All vehicle owners should service their car on time and according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
Anybody who tells you differently doesn’t know any better.
Cars are not designed to run forever without any servicing whatsoever. That is a recipe for disaster. The car will break down when you need it most. And you’ll be saddled with hefty repair bills.
While we’re on the topic of maintenance, don’t forget to run-in/break-in your new car. And avoid revving it too hard when the engine is cold!
2) NOT MAINTAINING YOUR TYRES.
Tyres are the only connections your car has to the road. They perform several very important roles.
So, it is your duty as a first-time car owner to keep them correctly inflated. Check the pressure every two weeks when the tyres are cold.
Also, you’ll need to inspect the tyres for damage or signs of uneven wear. This could indicate a problem with your suspension or wheel alignment.
And while we’re on this topic, do not forget to rotate your tyres. Tell your mechanic to rotate them every 5000km, just to be safe.
Rotating your tyres enables even tyre wear and extends their service life. But they don’t last forever. Make sure you change your tyres once the tread is worn down to the markers.
3) ADDING NON-FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS.
There is nothing wrong with modifying your car to improve its performance. We only advise you to do it safely.
High-performance tyres, a big brake kit and a decent set of coil-overs are all very good mods to install. And as long as they don’t compromise your car’s safety, they are legal under LTA regulations.
However, what we don’t recommend are non-functional mods. First-time car owners, stay away from these!
These include fake vents, faux bonnet scoops and fake carbon fibre trimmings. These cost money, but don’t do anything for your car.
Save your dollars and put them towards useful components.
4) NOT WASHING YOUR CAR.
You, first-time car owner, could be the cleanest person in Singapore. But if you alight from a car as filthy as the one in the image, everybody will think the opposite.
Seriously, apart from making a bad impression, a filthy car is a safety hazard. You won’t be able to see much during the day.
And it’ll only get worse at night. When headlights hit a dirty rear windscreen, you literally get blinded.
Wash your car regularly. If you’re not a detailing enthusiast, send it to the petrol kiosk twice a month.
5) FAILING TO RENEW YOUR CAR INSURANCE.
First-time car owners should always remember to do this. Fortunately, your auto insurance provider will probably send you a reminder before your coverage is up.
You can choose to renew with them (for maximum convenience). Or shop around for a better deal.
Whatever happens, comprehensive car insurance is the best way to go. Remember, driving an uninsured vehicle is an offence in Singapore!
Women drivers in Singapore pay less for car insurance than men
