Aside from the color, year, and model, do you know anything else about your car? Even if you aren’t a mechanic, there are other features to keep in mind when recalling vehicle information, so you are always prepared for the unpredictable. It can be intimidating to remember the different fluid types and processes to follow, but learning at least these basics can significantly improve your vehicle maintenance game. Below, we have listed some crucial tidbits you should know about your car and typical vehicle myths that aren’t relevant in this day and age as vehicle types constantly change.
What Are Some Vital Things You Should Know About Your Vehicle In Case Of An Emergency?
- Do you know your car’s VIN number? Or what that is? The Vehicle Identification Number, or the VIN Number, is essentially your car’s DNA. This number stays with your vehicle for the duration of its life and includes the manufacture date, engine size, place, make, and model in its 17-digit number. You won’t need to memorize it, though, so you can breathe a sigh of relief! The easiest way to find this number is to check for it on the area where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but if there were a vehicle equivalent to that saying, it would be dashboard lights! Your owner’s manual should tell you what each light means; this includes red, yellow, and green lights, similar to the stoplights on the road!
- Keep a maintenance schedule! If that means updating your planner to remember these dates and stay organized, it will save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
Steer Clear: What Should You Know About THESE Common Vehicle Myths?
- Have you heard people say that using your cell phone while pumping gas can trigger an explosion? While this may sound true, the Federal Communications Commission has concluded that there isn’t any scientific testing proving that using a cell phone can cause a fire at the gas station. While it’s best to stay present during any situation, there aren’t any documented incidents to prove this myth.
- You should do an oil change every 3,000 miles- some have even taken it an extra mile by saying you don’t need to change your car’s oil at all; this is false! While most modern vehicles can go up to 10,000 miles without an oil change, you still need to include this process in your maintenance schedule. When you don’t change your car’s oil, it can stop lubricating, causing the engine to fail quicker.
- You may have heard the saying, “you get what you pay for,” but this isn’t necessarily true with fuel types. It is a common belief that premium fuel makes your car run more effectively than non-premium fuel, but the FTC has stated that using higher octane gas doesn’t affect your car’s performance or mileage in any way.
You don’t have to be a vehicle enthusiast to know about all the moving parts of your car (pun intended)! With all that we invest in our vehicles, it’s surprising how little we really know about them. Understanding our vehicles- from routine maintenance to repair costs- is critical to extending its life cycle and avoiding auto accidents. Even with all the precautions you may take, no vehicle is immune to damage- that’s why you call the towing experts for all your transportation needs! If you need us, don’t hesitate to contact us at (615) 256- TOWS (8697). Our friendly, highly-trained team would be happy to assist you!