You never forget your first car. Whether it's a beat-up hand-me-down or a brand-new sedan, first cars hold a lot of memory.
For all the thrill of owning a vehicle, 'seasoned' car owners know things that first-timers just don't get, like the fact that you can find great vintage parts at Revology Cars Shop. If you're getting your first car, here are eight things you may not know but should.
You'll be able to gauge your mileage.
When considering vehicle options, you might research various models and their mileage to find the best option. It's also common to worry about managing your consumption, and how often you'll need to keep your eye on the fuel gauge.
But then, you don't need to worry about any of these. In fact, after a few weeks, you can easily estimate how many miles you can get per gas station visit. Car owners just have a handle on these things because they drive and fill gas so often. If estimating your gas mileage is one of your concerns, you can rest easy.
It helps to be realistic when choosing a car.
We all want fancy, luxurious vehicles. Getting the latest model or brand as your first purchase can feel pretty good. As any experienced car owner will tell you, it's much better to be honest about your needs. Cars suited for everyday work commute are very different from cars for weekend adventures.
If you don't get it right, you may end up spending ridiculous amounts on maintenance and upkeep. For example, getting an SUV when you'll ride alone most of the time isn't advisable. Unless you have the funds, it's better to get a fuel-efficient vehicle since it will be serving you most of the time.
Always go for a test drive.
Test drives allow you to experience the vehicle's handling and performance. It also gives your daydreams and fantasies substance. Test drives can either cement your decision to buy a car or give you second thoughts. You may have assumed the car has smooth, easy handling, but realize that the driving experience is a little grittier.
It's important to remember that you're going for a test drive, not a joy ride. Be safe and try to keep the car in the same condition you got it. You also have to be intentional about the vehicle you want to get. That way, you won't ask to take every car on the lot for a test drive.
Owning a car is a lot of responsibility.
Since you've never owned a car, you may not know how much work it takes to maintain one. There are the daily checks of the oil levels, water in the carburetor, tire pressure, and connection on the battery terminal. Then, there's getting gas and keeping the body clean.
You'll also be responsible for the maintenance that crops up every once in a while, like changing the oil, replacing a flat tire, and even changing the brake pads. Owning your vehicle beats taking public transportation in most cities, but it's still a lot of work. That's something to keep in mind when saving up.
You may not enjoy it as much as you expected to.
Like buying new clothes or a new phone, there's an excitement that comes with owning a new car. Whether it's fresh from the manufacturer or a used car dealer, the feeling is euphoric. However, the novelty fades a few months later for many people, and the car becomes another possession.
There's also the possibility that you'll continue to love your car until the day you trade it in or turn it to scrap. For some people, the morning drive to work or the evening joyride never gets old. Driving is like jogging or meditating for them - profoundly relaxing and something to be savored. Try to keep an open mind because you can fall into either of these categories.
Everybody in traffic is wrong except for you.
It's funny how every driver in traffic has it backward except for yours. It's always the other drivers with the illegal lane changes and the tailgating. You should know that you're likely to become just like those drivers when you own a car. The only problem is that you won't know it.
It takes a high level of self-awareness to notice that you're actually wrong - that, and the flashing lights of the patrol car pulling you over. Even though you can know the traffic rules by heart, you're probably going to break them a few times, at least in the beginning.
Prepare for the worst.
If you can afford it, insurance as a first car owner is critical. Since you're not used to driving, you don't know the subtle rules of the road that aren't taught in driving school, like which situations can cause other drivers to bump into you and drive off. You don't want to be stuck with a dent on your bumper and no cash to get it fixed.
Then, there are situations when other drivers can scratch your paint while your car is parked. Experience may teach you to find a parking space with less traffic or leave enough space between your car and the next.
It's easy to get a messy car.
The formula for a messy car is: procrastinate throwing away trash. That's really all it takes for junk to pile up in the passenger's seat. You say you will, forget, push it off until next time, and add another wrapper to the pile. What's worse is that the pile-up can be so subtle that you don't even notice it until you can't ignore it.
For some people, the wake-up call comes while giving a friend a ride. You can avoid this embarrassing experience by keeping this tip in mind. Clean your car as often as possible. Take out the wrappers and junk each time you leave the vehicle. It is important to protect your vehicle exterior.
