First-time car owners may be excited to start driving their car around. As you do that, don't forget to learn some basics about your car. Doing so can help you be better prepared to care for your car.

What You Should Know About Your Car

Whether you just bought your first car or are simply interested in getting to know your car better, it's not too late to learn the basics. In order to keep your car in better shape, learn what to look for and what to pay attention to.

Locate Your Spare Tire

Getting a flat tire is not something you'll ever want to experience, and it's likely that you won't even see it coming. If you know where your spare tire is and how to change a tire, this won't be such a huge deal. However, if learning to change a flat is still on your to-do list, you may be left kicking yourself. You can call roadside assistance or a friend to help you, but knowing how to do it yourself will be super helpful. First, you'll have to know where your spare tire is located. Different models will have it in different places and some won't have a spare at all, which is why it's important you check your car. Make sure you also have all the tools you need to get the job done. You can watch videos or instructional posts to learn how to change your tire. Practice the process at home until you get comfortable with it.

Find Your Car's Fluids

You probably know that there are a number of fluids flowing through your car. These fluids are essential and will keep your car running safely, so it helps to know a bit about each one. The most important fluids to keep track of are your motor oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Learn where each fluid is located in your car, what jobs each one performs, and what their average lifespan is. Once you've located each fluid, learn how to check their condition by checking them in their respective reservoirs. Take note of colors, level, and even smell. This will make it easier to detect when there is an issue with any of these.

Learn to Check Your Oil

One of the most important fluids to get comfortable with is your car's motor oil. This fluid runs through your engine and keeps all the parts in it lubricated as they work. It also helps to keep your engine clean by picking up debris along the way and keeping it out of the engine. Over time, it can fill up and will need to be changed. There is no set rule on how often to get oil changes since this will depend on a few factors, so it's a good idea to learn to check your oil. Locate the oil dipstick under the hood and get to know what to look for in your oil when it's good and when it needs to be changed so that you can stay on top of oil changes. Keep your car running smoothly with the help of a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls ID. With an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, you can be sure your car's engine will stay in better shape. If you want to find more great products like this, contact Schell Distributing Inc. at (208)524-0322. You can also stop by their online shop to learn more about their products or to place an order.

Understand Your Car's Battery

Next up is understanding your car's battery. Without one or with a dead one, your car won't even start. Since most batteries last between three and five years, you'll want to pay extra attention to it if it's in this range. You can get a volt test done so that you know how much power it still has. This will make it easier to decide if it's time for a new one or if your current battery still has time. It's also a great idea to learn to jumpstart your battery just in case.

Learn to Care for Your Tires

Finally, don't forget about your tires. Since these take quite a beating on the road, you'll want to be sure they're still in good enough shape to keep you safe. This means checking the tread, the sidewalls, and the air pressure regularly. Learn what the recommended pressure is for your tires and do your best to keep it in that range.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

Keep your car in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls, ID. The friendly oil pros at Schell Distributing Inc can help you find a great oil for your car. You can learn more about their products by giving them a call at (208)524-0322.