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How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? - Car Talk (2) - Nairaland

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Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by FOOTSOLDIER2(f): 12:21pm On Jan 28, 2023
.
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by merits(m): 12:22pm On Jan 28, 2023
VeryWickedGoat:
E still dey shack dis one he run open thread.

Na so, very soon Nigeria road will teach him sense.

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by NaijaCover(m): 12:27pm On Jan 28, 2023
Enjoy Your New Car
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by rafcrown(m): 12:28pm On Jan 28, 2023
Obi Okonkwo?
Jestin:
We need a driver like Peter Obi to drive this country to the promise land. Vote wisely next month my people
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Optmus(m): 12:35pm On Jan 28, 2023
Nazgul:
Congratulations on getting a new car...to properly maintain it so that it can constantly look neat, do the following.

1. Change the oil, don't use the follow come oil, it can damage your engine.

2. If it's a muscle, buy the dashboard rug.

3. Change the break pad and install alloy rims if the car didn't come with any.

4. Remove the sterio and install Android screen/reverse camera. Note: don't let them convince you to buy DVD reject it, tell them it's Android screen you want.

5. Buy Caution sign.

6. Cut an extra key, cos they'll only give you one key when you buy the car.

7. Buy steering wheel cover.

8. Buy car wash, regular detergent can affect the body paint of the car.

9. Change your side mirrors if they don't rotate. This is to help you fold it in when you park so that reckless drivers wouldn't damage it for you.

10. Pay attention to the alert lights on your dashboard, never allow your fuel or oil run out completely, keep monitoring the level on the dashboard, and top it when necessary.

11. Buy air freshener for cars...you wouldn't want your car to be giving off an awful smell..

12. Drive carefully, car parts are very expensive, never drag the road with a korokpe or danfo driver, they have nothing to loose if they hit you, but you my friend have everything to loose.

13. Too things would swallow your money in that car, one is synthetic oil which is over 30k and the other is fuel. So avoid driving unnecessarily, cos the more you drive, the more you spend.

14. Car wash is 1,500 per wash, so if you cannot afford to be wasting that kind of money every now and then, and don't have the strength to wash the car yourself, look for a mallam around your house and give him like 500, he'll happily do it for you.

15. Drive carefully....I've said it before and I'll say it again, drive carefully, if possible crawl sef. It's when you contact a panel beater and painter to fix a minor damage, and they bill you, you'll understand why I repeated this advice twice.

All these would help you preserve your car. Good luck.

Lastly, don't let a 9ja hoelosho sit in front...

1 Like

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by sundid(m): 12:38pm On Jan 28, 2023
salbis:
Ensure to follow the manual of your car. Do not take your car to Kazeem's, most especially electrical faults.
Going to reputable automobile shops may be expensive, but it is the best way to go.
Always pay extra attention on the lights on your dashboard.
Ensure to drive responsibility at all times.

Enjoy your ride.
Ok
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by sundid(m): 12:40pm On Jan 28, 2023
Domipraiz:

Daily Checks
There are a number of vehicle checks that each driver should be making daily before they set off.

External

Before you get into your vehicle, make sure you’ve checked over the following:

. Condition of vehicle bodywork, windscreen, windows and lights.
Condition of windscreen wiper blades.
Cleanness of windscreen, windows, mirrors, lights and license plate.
Security of load, trailer or roof rack.
Condition of tires and tire pressure.
Availability of spare wheel and jack.

Internal

Once you’re sat in the vehicle, take a look over the following – particularly if it’s a shared vehicle, as the driver before you may have adjusted things to suit them.

Mirror positioning
Seat belt condition & function
Head rest positioning
It’s also worth checking these vital functions before you set off:

Warning lights
Headlights and brake lights
Indicators
Horn
Washers and wipers
Brakes
Fuel

Weekly Checks

A more thorough inspection can be conducted at weekly intervals to check fluid levels and various functions. You should be looking at:

Engine oil
Coolant
Windscreen wash
Brake/clutch fluid
Power steering fluid
Oil or waste leaks
Battery condition
Check that your vehicle also has the following:

Vehicle handbook
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit and torch
Warning triangle
Ok
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by HUMANIIST(m): 12:49pm On Jan 28, 2023
jonas117:
Good day guys, I got a new car, pls what are maintenance tips you can give to new drivers? Do I just take the car to the mechanic once in a while and tell them to test it? What are the signs I should look for? I know about Changing the oil and oil filter but my knowledge stops there, I intend to start driving bolt so my car would need maintenance. Thanks
I love this thread
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by ThatCEO: 12:59pm On Jan 28, 2023
Shancca:


Change oil when due ( every 7,000 miles). Inspect your oil and coolant levels. At least ensure both are not leaking. If they are leaking, your eye should be on them. Particularly, check the oil and coolant levels before leaving in the morning. Look out for check engine light. Most Nigerians don't know this. The check engine is a quick indicator of a potential problem in your vehicle. Once the light throws up, scan the code and check what problem code is it by browsing online. You can get the scan app on app store or play store. There OBD gadgets for scanning. They are cheap. You can get one from Amazon. If your vehicle does not have check engine light indicator, consider that vehicle a total damage cos anything can happen at anytime.

This Ur info wrong o. Change oil at the intervals the manufacturer recommend. Check owners manual. Toyota is usually 5000 miles
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by obam41363: 1:05pm On Jan 28, 2023
Don't smoke or eat fish inside the car. It leaves a lasting odour in there
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by PerfectMan24: 1:15pm On Jan 28, 2023
Carry out daily routine check in the morning b4 going out.
-Check engine oil level

-Check gear oil level

-Check water / coolant

-Check brake fluid (hydraulic) level

-Check tyres

-Have a spare tyre

-Make sure u have primary tools: spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, jack, wheelspanner, etc.

-Check car under and exhaust pipe

-Read ur car manual and make Google ur friend.

1 Like

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by workchopNG: 1:17pm On Jan 28, 2023
Domipraiz:

Daily Checks
There are a number of vehicle checks that each driver should be making daily before they set off.

External

Before you get into your vehicle, make sure you’ve checked over the following:

. Condition of vehicle bodywork, windscreen, windows and lights.
Condition of windscreen wiper blades.
Cleanness of windscreen, windows, mirrors, lights and license plate.
Security of load, trailer or roof rack.
Condition of tires and tire pressure.
Availability of spare wheel and jack.

Internal

Once you’re sat in the vehicle, take a look over the following – particularly if it’s a shared vehicle, as the driver before you may have adjusted things to suit them.

Mirror positioning
Seat belt condition & function
Head rest positioning
It’s also worth checking these vital functions before you set off:

Warning lights
Headlights and brake lights
Indicators
Horn
Washers and wipers
Brakes
Fuel

Weekly Checks

A more thorough inspection can be conducted at weekly intervals to check fluid levels and various functions. You should be looking at:

Engine oil
Coolant
Windscreen wash
Brake/clutch fluid
Power steering fluid
Oil or waste leaks
Battery condition
Check that your vehicle also has the following:

Vehicle handbook
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit and torch
Warning triangle

Looks like ChatGPT content
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by nihinlade(m): 1:30pm On Jan 28, 2023
The truth is as a new driver, you can only try but since this is your first car, you will make a lot of mistakes with it. That is why I always advise first drivers not to buy something that is very expensive. Just buy something small so that you can learn driving and maintenance with it.

2 Likes

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Zazaza: 1:32pm On Jan 28, 2023
Nazgul:
Congratulations on getting a new car...to properly maintain it so that it can constantly look neat, do the following.

1. Change the oil, don't use the follow come oil, it can damage your engine.

2. If it's a muscle, buy the dashboard rug.

3. Change the break pad and install alloy rims if the car didn't come with any.

4. Remove the sterio and install Android screen/reverse camera. Note: don't let them convince you to buy DVD reject it, tell them it's Android screen you want.

5. Buy Caution sign.

6. Cut an extra key, cos they'll only give you one key when you buy the car.

7. Buy steering wheel cover.

8. Buy car wash, regular detergent can affect the body paint of the car.

9. Change your side mirrors if they don't rotate. This is to help you fold it in when you park so that reckless drivers wouldn't damage it for you.

10. Pay attention to the alert lights on your dashboard, never allow your fuel or oil run out completely, keep monitoring the level on the dashboard, and top it when necessary.

11. Buy air freshener for cars...you wouldn't want your car to be giving off an awful smell..

12. Drive carefully, car parts are very expensive, never drag the road with a korokpe or danfo driver, they have nothing to loose if they hit you, but you my friend have everything to loose.

13. Too things would swallow your money in that car, one is synthetic oil which is over 30k and the other is fuel. So avoid driving unnecessarily, cos the more you drive, the more you spend.

14. Car wash is 1,500 per wash, so if you cannot afford to be wasting that kind of money every now and then, and don't have the strength to wash the car yourself, look for a mallam around your house and give him like 500, he'll happily do it for you.

15. Drive carefully....I've said it before and I'll say it again, drive carefully, if possible crawl sef. It's when you contact a panel beater and painter to fix a minor damage, and they bill you, you'll understand why I repeated this advice twice.

All these would help you preserve your car. Good luck.
He shouldn’t allow anyone touch his exhaust,make them no steal his catalyst
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by stuffs2002: 1:34pm On Jan 28, 2023
jonas117:
Good day guys, I got a new car, pls what are maintenance tips you can give to new drivers? Do I just take the car to the mechanic once in a while and tell them to test it? What are the signs I should look for? I know about Changing the oil and oil filter but my knowledge stops there, I intend to start driving bolt so my car would need maintenance. Thanks


1) Go and read the car manual (you can download it online if you don't have hard copy)

2) Always use the engine oil specified by the manufacturer

3) Always use wheel and tyre sizes specified by the manufacturer and pump to the correct tyre pressures specified by the manufacturer

4) Don't borrow out your car to everyone. Don't be shy to say no to some people

5) Don't wash the car with hard soap. (I personally use only water to wash cars) as soaps will make your car paint to fade
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by stuffs2002: 1:44pm On Jan 28, 2023
Nazgul:
Congratulations on getting a new car...to properly maintain it so that it can constantly look neat, do the following.

1. Change the oil, don't use the follow come oil, it can damage your engine.

2. If it's a muscle, buy the dashboard rug.

3. Change the break pad and install alloy rims if the car didn't come with any.

4. Remove the sterio and install Android screen/reverse camera. Note: don't let them convince you to buy DVD reject it, tell them it's Android screen you want.

5. Buy Caution sign.

6. Cut an extra key, cos they'll only give you one key when you buy the car.

7. Buy steering wheel cover.

8. Buy car wash, regular detergent can affect the body paint of the car.

9. Change your side mirrors if they don't rotate. This is to help you fold it in when you park so that reckless drivers wouldn't damage it for you.

10. Pay attention to the alert lights on your dashboard, never allow your fuel or oil run out completely, keep monitoring the level on the dashboard, and top it when necessary.

11. Buy air freshener for cars...you wouldn't want your car to be giving off an awful smell..

12. Drive carefully, car parts are very expensive, never drag the road with a korokpe or danfo driver, they have nothing to loose if they hit you, but you my friend have everything to loose.

13. Too things would swallow your money in that car, one is synthetic oil which is over 30k and the other is fuel. So avoid driving unnecessarily, cos the more you drive, the more you spend.

14. Car wash is 1,500 per wash, so if you cannot afford to be wasting that kind of money every now and then, and don't have the strength to wash the car yourself, look for a mallam around your house and give him like 500, he'll happily do it for you.

15. Drive carefully....I've said it before and I'll say it again, drive carefully, if possible crawl sef. It's when you contact a panel beater and painter to fix a minor damage, and they bill you, you'll understand why I repeated this advice twice.

All these would help you preserve your car. Good luck.

jona117, be careful with the number 1 advice given by this person as a mistake with engine oil could be the beginning of the end for your car.

If your car is direct Tokunbo, I would advice to aways use the engine recommended by the manufacturer

1 Like

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Sirchiboy: 1:45pm On Jan 28, 2023
PerfectMan24:
Carry out daily routine check in the morning b4 going out.
-Check engine oil level

-Check gear oil level

-Check water / coolant

-Check tyres

-Have a spare tyre

-Make sure u have primary tools: spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, jack, wheelspanner, etc.

-Check car under and exhaust pipe

-Read ur car manual and make Google ur friend.
.
Where is engine oil located pleasd
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by vivalavida(m): 1:47pm On Jan 28, 2023
sgtponzihater1:


Congratulations on getting a new car. Ensure to have the car manual, you can download this online if you were not given a physical copy.

Service your car once a year. This could include changing the oil and filter. Rarely the transmission fluid. Don't fall for service every 3months gang.

Using coolant fluid in your radiator instead of water is way to go to avoid overheating. Watch YouTube videos about your vehicle.

Also you can get specific advice if you mention the brand.

All the best

Service once a year?
Haba bros

1 Like

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by habeebobalola(m): 1:47pm On Jan 28, 2023
I don't ve a car but ve learn alot
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by sgtponzihater1(m): 2:04pm On Jan 28, 2023
vivalavida:


Service once a year?
Haba bros

Most definitely. It's only in Naija service every 3months. If you are not doing over 12k miles a year, why service every 3months and open opportunities for mechanics to temper with your ride?
Do your research from the internet, it's the information age.

Cheers

PonziHater
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by PerfectMan24: 2:27pm On Jan 28, 2023
Sirchiboy:
.
Where is engine oil located pleasd
There are 2 dip sticks or calibrated gauge.
One is for engine oil while the one normally red or pink is for gear/steering oil. U will see them when u open ur bonnet / front hood
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Sirchiboy: 2:35pm On Jan 28, 2023
PerfectMan24:

There are 2 dip sticks or calibrated gauge.
One is for engine oil while the one normally red or pink is for engine oil. U will see them when u open ur bonnet / front hood

What about gear box oil
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Rinoxy: 2:41pm On Jan 28, 2023
sgtponzihater1:


Congratulations on getting a new car. Ensure to have the car manual, you can download this online if you were not given a physical copy.

Service your car once a year. This could include changing the oil and filter. Rarely the transmission fluid. Don't fall for service every 3months gang.

Using coolant fluid in your radiator instead of water is way to go to avoid overheating. Watch YouTube videos about your vehicle.

Also you can get specific advice if you mention the brand.

All the best
Enlightening I must say. Pls educate me more on the 3 month service thing you said isn't true. Also I don't know about the coolant fluid instead of water thing. Thanks.
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by PerfectMan24: 2:45pm On Jan 28, 2023
Sirchiboy:


What about gear box oil
Pls there is a typo error there. Check here for correction. I highlighted the correction in bold
There are 2 dip sticks or calibrated gauge.
One is for engine oil while the one normally red or pink is for gear/steering oil. U will see them when u open ur bonnet / front hood.

Also, there are plastic containers built inside the bonnet/hood. Try and identity them
1. Water/coolant reservoir for radiator
2. Water reservoir for wiper cleaner
3. Gear oil reservoir.
These depends on ur car brand/model
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Rinoxy: 2:49pm On Jan 28, 2023
FOOTSOLDIER2:
1.Just always check your dashboard. NEVER NEGLET ANY STRANGE SIGNS.

2. Check your engine oil gage periodically and ensure you change oil earlier even before the due time/ don't on the car AC immediately the engine is on, allow it to steam properly before you drive and on the AC.

3. Don't assume anything, check if your fans are working properly and check the water in the radiator periodically too.

4. The major problem of cars is very simple. OVERHEATING and SHORTAGE of oil in the engine. If you overcome these 2, then you have solved 90% problems.

5. Change your brake pads periodically and ensure proper alignment of the tires.


6. Never give your car to friends or anybody to drive, instead, drive them by yourself or assist them money to use other alternatives if you can't drive yourself.

7. ensure you have all the road safety properties in your boot and always have you drivers license at all time with all car documents valid and updated.


8. Lastly, drive SAFE! driving slow is not the same as driving safe! But don't over speed. Drive and don't allow the car to drive you. USE THE ROAD AND LET OTHERS USE TOO, don't drive slow in a highway lane!


ALL FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!



DON'T FORGET TO VOTE PETER OBI TO MAKE NIGERIA A BETTER PLACE TO DRIVE IN
Nice one!
That No. 6 is so important. My friends have borrowed their cars to friends and it ended as touching stories.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by Sirchiboy: 3:03pm On Jan 28, 2023
PerfectMan24:

Pls there is a typo error there. Check here for correction. I highlighted the correction in bold
There are 2 dip sticks or calibrated gauge.
One is for engine oil while the one normally red or pink is for gear/steering oil. U will see them when u open ur bonnet / front hood.

Also, there are plastic containers built inside the bonnet/hood. Try and identity them
1. Water/coolant reservoir for radiator
2. Water reservoir for wiper cleaner
3. Gear oil reservoir.
These depends on ur car brand/model
.
Is steering and gear oil box the same thing?
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by PerfectMan24: 3:14pm On Jan 28, 2023
Sirchiboy:
.
Is steering and gear oil box the same thing?
Yes, u can call it gear or steering oil but the real name is ATF = Automatic Transmission Fluid
See the pic attached. The yellow gauge is for engine oil while the red is for gear/steering oil

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by TheMensch(m): 3:15pm On Jan 28, 2023
Which kind nonsense be this one wey Nairaland dey do??
embarassed lipsrsealed
Every click I make, whether forward or backward I have to wait for like three minutes before this nonsense leaves
lipsrsealed

3 Likes

Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by kingjoe(m): 3:17pm On Jan 28, 2023
FOOTSOLDIER2:
1.Just always check your dashboard. NEVER NEGLET ANY STRANGE SIGNS.

2. Check your engine oil gage periodically and ensure you change oil earlier even before the due time/ don't on the car AC immediately the engine is on, allow it to steam properly before you drive and on the AC.

3. Don't assume anything, check if your fans are working properly and check the water in the radiator periodically too.

4. The major problem of cars is very simple. OVERHEATING and SHORTAGE of oil in the engine. If you overcome these 2, then you have solved 90% problems.

5. Change your brake pads periodically and ensure proper alignment of the tires.


6. Never give your car to friends or anybody to drive, instead, drive them by yourself or assist them money to use other alternatives if you can't drive yourself.

7. ensure you have all the road safety properties in your boot and always have you drivers license at all time with all car documents valid and updated.


8. Lastly, drive SAFE! driving slow is not the same as driving safe! But don't over speed. Drive and don't allow the car to drive you. USE THE ROAD AND LET OTHERS USE TOO, don't drive slow in a highway lane!


ALL FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!
Please how can one overcome,no 4 as you said. Overheating and oil leak

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE PETER OBI TO MAKE NIGERIA A BETTER PLACE TO DRIVE IN
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by kingjoe(m): 3:19pm On Jan 28, 2023
FOOTSOLDIER2:
1.Just always check your dashboard. NEVER NEGLET ANY STRANGE SIGNS.

2. Check your engine oil gage periodically and ensure you change oil earlier even before the due time/ don't on the car AC immediately the engine is on, allow it to steam properly before you drive and on the AC.

3. Don't assume anything, check if your fans are working properly and check the water in the radiator periodically too.

4. The major problem of cars is very simple. OVERHEATING and SHORTAGE of oil in the engine. If you overcome these 2, then you have solved 90% problems.

5. Change your brake pads periodically and ensure proper alignment of the tires.


6. Never give your car to friends or anybody to drive, instead, drive them by yourself or assist them money to use other alternatives if you can't drive yourself.

7. ensure you have all the road safety properties in your boot and always have you drivers license at all time with all car documents valid and updated.


8. Lastly, drive SAFE! driving slow is not the same as driving safe! But don't over speed. Drive and don't allow the car to drive you. USE THE ROAD AND LET OTHERS USE TOO, don't drive slow in a highway lane!


ALL FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!


DON'T FORGET TO VOTE PETER OBI TO MAKE NIGERIA A BETTER PLACE TO DRIVE IN
Please how can one overcome no 4
Overheating and shortage of oil in engine
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by vivalavida(m): 3:31pm On Jan 28, 2023
sgtponzihater1:


Most definitely. It's only in Naija service every 3months. If you are not doing over 12k miles a year, why service every 3months and open opportunities for mechanics to temper with your ride?
Do your research from the internet, it's the information age.

Cheers

PonziHater
Remember not everyone uses full synthetic oil. Some are using semi-synthetic oil to service their vehicle. Will you advise someone using semi-synthetic oil to go one year without oil change even if the person isn't doing 12k miles per year?
Re: How To Maintain A Car As A New Driver? by sgtponzihater1(m): 3:34pm On Jan 28, 2023
Rinoxy:

Enlightening I must say. Pls educate me more on the 3 month service thing you said isn't true. Also I don't know about the coolant fluid instead of water thing. Thanks.

You only need to service your ride after 12000 miles or after a year whichever comes first.
Did this almost all the I have been driving. The mechanics want you to come every time to they fuel the every 3months story.

2 Likes

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