Things Not To Do With A Brand New Car
There are definitive guidelines of dos and don’ts when you purchase a new vehicle. There are some general maintenance tips that you should always follow, but there are some guidelines drafted for the break-in or running-in period. These are specifically applicable to brand new vehicles that haven’t been driven so far. Overall, following these guidelines and taking precautions will increase the car’s life span. Your car will stay in its best shape for longer with little to no need for repairs. This guide will help you understand what to do with a brand new car and how to avoid common mistakes.
What to avoid when you purchase a new car
Initially, a new car is in a breaking phase, and stressing it too much can further increase the strain on its components. Here we will discuss the list of things that will guide you on how to break in a new car.
Slamming Breaks
Brake fluid is stored in hoses that are connected with tyres. When you press the pedal, it generates heat and pressure in the fluid to stop the car. If you press it frequently at a higher speed, it can create cracks in the hose. The fluid will seep from these cracks and dissolve brake pads resulting in higher maintenance costs and slower stop.
Longer Gear Shifting
Modern cars have a gear shift indicator but do not wait to reach the redline for shifting gears. You should short-shift gears for higher efficiency and avoiding common car gearbox problems. Accelerating in higher RPM or lower gear can create excessive stress on the engine. This stress is responsible for heating up the engine and reducing its efficiency.
Towing Other Vehicles
Additional loading or towing is one of the worst things to do with a brand-new car. It puts strain on brakes, drivetrain, and suspension. Moreover, it also negatively impacts fuel consumption and emissions from the car. You can read about the maximum loading capacity of your car from the user manual – but for new cars, refrain from pushing it to the limit, at least for a few good miles.
Ignoring User’s Manual
Connecting to the last point, the user manual will prove helpful in understanding your new ride’s needs and requirements. From the type of fluids your car needs to the time of changing the fluids, almost everything is covered in the manual. Reading it will provide you with the essentials for driving your car smoothly. Furthermore, implementing precautions and avoiding bad driving habits will reduce maintenance cost and increase the vehicle’s lifespan. Therefore, asking for a user’s manual tops the list of things to do when getting a new car.
Selling it Too Soon
One thing to keep in mind is that depreciation of brand new cars is higher as compared to used cars. Cars depreciate the most during the first year of purchase. While the rate of depreciation may vary for different models, it is recommended not to sell any car in the first year.
Unnecessary Modifications
Doing the add-ons and aftermarket modifications are the things you should never do with a new car. These additional items will only contribute to the depreciation rate of your vehicle. Not all buyers will agree on paying a premium price for the additional items that you have installed. Moreover, a lot of modifications aren’t allowed in the UAE, and removing them will not only add extra cost, it will also leave marks in some cases.
Washing And Waxing Regularly
Always go for a professional car wash, as washing it at home can cause serious damages specially when you own an electric car in the UAE. The brand new cars require additional care, ensuring that all the products used are made for cars only. It is better to buy auto accessories rather than using techniques or products that will leave scratches on your shiny vehicle.
Tips for Maintaining Brand New Cars
Now you know what you should do with a brand new car, let’s have a quick overview of things you should do to make sure your new ride delivers its optimum performance:
- Check your car’s tyre pressure on a regular basis.
- Watch the warning lights and fix the issue on an urgent basis.
- Monthly check the brake fluid and replace it after 4000 km.
- Replace lubricant and oil filter in three to four months.
- Administer oil change at regular intervals.
- Refill coolant and transmission fluids.
It is a myth that brand-new cars are exempted from maintenance. All vehicles require regular check-ups to continue working efficiently. You have to budget for the maintenance cost and depreciation of new vehicles. If you want to avoid the depreciation hit, then look for used cars for sale in the UAE. Here are some popular brands with good resale value available on dubizzle:
- Used Nissan for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Toyota for sale in the UAE
- Used Lexus for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Ford for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned with UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on car buying, selling, maintenance and what not to do with your new car.