You have to admit that the thought of owning a shiny, brand-new car is pretty exciting. As we would imagine, you probably can't wait to step inside and start driving the car around. You're also probably excited to show off your new ride to family and friends.
As you can see, going for a new car is a great choice. However, it's also important to know how to take care of it properly after the purchase. Specifically, you must be aware of things that you should not do to a car during its first six months in your garage. Not quite sure what to avoid? Here's a list that can help.
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1. TRAVELING A LOT OF SHORT DISTANCES
This has a lot to do with the car's engine not having enough time to properly warm up before you drive around. If you fail to do so, you may end up driving with a cold engine, which is never a good idea. As Price's Collision Centers has explained, "If you take the car out for a quick errand run to the nearby grocery store, the engine does not get the opportunity to warm up and reach an optimum operating temperature to ensure consistent functions like smooth oil flow."
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2. LETTING YOUR FUEL GO BELOW QUARTER TANK
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3. FOREGOING PAINT PROTECTION
Especially if you got a new car, you want to make sure that every single part of it is as protected from the elements as it can possibly be. These include dust, harmful UV rays, and acid rain. That is exactly why it's a bad idea to forego paint protection for your car. According to the website Carwow, paint protection comes in several forms. These include a transparent film, rub-on, or spray-on layers. Go over these options carefully to determine the right paint protection for your car.
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4. SKIPPING CAR WAX
According to Patterson Car Care, applying car wax can help protect your new car from sun damage, which can cause paint fading, oxidation, and discoloring. Meanwhile, it can also prevent water spots. As the company further explained, "When it rains, water collects on your car’s paint and as it begins to evaporate, dirt and contaminates that were in the water are left behind. With a coat of wax on your car, water will “bead up” and roll off your car. "
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5. SKIPPING REGULAR CLEANING
Just like your room and the rest of your house, your new car also requires regular cleaning. And if you fail to do so, you may end up with some unwanted car issues since harmful elements can end up going inside the motors, filters, and more. As Consumer Reports has already recommended, "Try to wash the car every week, if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt. "
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6. SKIPPING CONSTANT-VELOCITY-JOINT BOOTS CHECK
The constant velocity joint (or CV joint) transfers power from the driveshaft and differential to axle and the wheel hub. According to Motor Works, "The CV boot is a ribbed, rubber flexible boot that keeps water and dirt out of the joint and the special grease inside the joint." Meanwhile, according to Consumer Reports, this CV boot can eventually become worn out. It further explained, "Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint it can quickly lead to an expensive fix."
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7. SKIPPING TIRE BREAK-IN
Just like the new car itself, the tires on it are also subject to their own break-in period. Hence, you need to take it easy on your tires during the first few times that you are driving around with your car. As Tire Rack has further explained, “Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering, and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together.”
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8. APPLYING TOO MANY PROTECTANTS IN THE INTERIOR
Sure, the interior needs to be cleaned just as much as the exterior of your new car. This is to ensure that your car will smell nice for the weeks and years to come. However, resist the urge to apply too many protectants to the interior. As the website Popular Mechanics has explained, “Avoid the impulse to slather the interior trim with shiny protectants, which can leach the plasticizers out of new vinyl and increase the likelihood of age-related cracks. On the other hand, a generous dousing of Scotchgard on the cloth upholstery and carpets will keep dirt, pollen, and mildew from clinging.”
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9. PARKING INCORRECTLY
Believe it or not, parking your brand new car incorrectly can also cause some serious problems. In fact, if you park your car wrong, you can end up with damages on the wheels that are very visible to the naked eye. As Chevrolet dealership certified master technician Heath Knox has explained to AARP, “The last thing you want to do is buy a new car and park it next to a curb and chew up the wheels. At the dealership, cars would come in for their first oil change and the wheels would look like they had 20,000 miles on them.”
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10. FORGETTING TO INSTALL MATS
It’s also important to protect the car’s interior. One of the best ways to do this is through correctly installed mats on the floor. As Consumer Reports chief mechanic John Ibbotson explained to the nonprofit organization AARP, “If your car came with a set of floor mats, use them to keep the carpeting clean and free of stains. If the vehicle didn't come with carpeted mats, buy a set now. And consider buying a set of all-weather mats to protect the vehicle when the weather gets bad. There's nothing worse than snow, slush and mud on the floor.”
