Survival Tactics for Your Second Hand Car

Your car may not be brand new, but that doesn’t mean to say that you aren’t proud of it; especially if it’s your first car. However, with anything second hand, there will be more wear and tear already in place and you may need to take a few more precautions in order to keep it in the best possible condition.

Let the buyer beware

Hopefully, you will have taken pains to make sure it’s in sound condition before you bought it, either by buying from a reputable dealer or by asking somebody knowledgeable to take a good look at it first. If you’ve inherited the car from a generous relative or bought it from a not-so-generous relative, it can be a little trickier to check it without offending anyone. Have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible, so you know about any potential problems.

Keep on top of the jobs

It’s better to maintain a car than to repair it, so stick to a schedule of checking for wear. If you buy a maintenance manual, it will have a suggested routine of work, including checks and minor jobs; following the instructions will help you to learn how to look after your car, will keep it running more efficiently and will save you some money over time. You may even find that you enjoy doing it and you can certainly take pride in any new skills you develop.

Know your vehicle

Be aware of what your car is capable of. An older vehicle may not be suitable for a touring holiday of the UK, for example, even if it’s more than adequate for your commute to work. If you are planning on making a long journey, give it a few trial runs over longer distances than it usually does to make sure it isn’t prone to overheating. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the fuel gauge so you have some idea of how far it will travel per gallon or litre, which will save you from attempting too great a journey between fuel stations.

Appearances can be deceptive

Just because a car is a little older, that doesn’t mean to say it can’t look good. Keep it clean; giving it a wash can be a regular weekend job, or you can take it through a drive-in car wash when it’s in need of a spruce up. A good-quality wax or polish can not only keep the car looking better but can also protect the paint from corrosion. While you’re washing the car or polishing it, keep your eyes open for small scratches; these can lead to rust, which is a death sentence for car bodies. If you notice any scratches, they can be filled with colour-matched paints, available in ‘pens’ or small pots.

You’ll want to take the best possible care of your car, because it’s the thing that is giving you easy mobility and it will probably have cost a lot of money. When you take out new drivers insurance, it’s going to be one of the proudest days of your life as you take a major step into adulthood. A car is like a key to your independence; use it wisely!

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