If you just passed your driver's license test and have access to a car, that is only the first step. You also need to be sure that your car is properly maintained so you can help avoid breaking down or having to call a tow truck. Here are some car maintenance rules you must follow.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Every car, regardless of how new it is or what condition it is when you get it, needs regular maintenance. A mechanic is able to check different areas of the car to look for signs of issues that can be addressed. By getting them fixed now, you will be able to avoid more serious problems. The routine maintenance also allows you to replace small parts of the car that need to be replaced, such as hoses and plugs. Other areas of the car will be inspected as well, including the fluids, tyres, and brakes. The manual of your vehicle will let you know how often you need the routine maintenance, oil change, and tune-up.

Inspect the Car Yourself

There are also some things you want to check on your own as this can be done more often than the tune-up or oil change. For example, you should inspect the tyres of the car regularly, looking for signs of wear or cracks in the sidewalls, checking the tyre pressure, and looking at the tread depth. You also want to check that all headlights and tail lights are working properly, that your windshield wiper blades are in good condition, and that the air conditioner is working.

Check the Fluids

You also need to keep an eye on the fluids in your vehicle on a regular basis. If you fail to check or fill certain fluids, you could be dealing with overheating of the vehicle, break-downs, or permanent damage to your radiator or engine. Some oils you want to check routinely are water and coolant, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. While these fluids are also checked during tune-ups, you should check them on your own more often.

Keep Emergency Supplies in the Car

When you are a new driver, you might not realize all the important things to keep in your car. To start with, you should have a spare tire and tools that help you change a flat tire. Also have bottles of extra fluids, bottled water, basic repair tools, jumper cables, and a flashlight. You should have tools to get the attention of a tow driver, such as flares or reflective lights. Also have a fully-charged cell phone, batteries, battery-operated radio, and non-perishable foods in case you need it.