Getting to know your car and its many systems is essential. Understanding the basics of how your car runs and how to care for it will help you stay safe and reduce your frustrations.

What You Should Know as a Car Owner

Getting to know your car is super important because all of that knowledge will help you in many ways. Not only will this help you take proper care of your car, but it can also help you stay safe on the road. To get to know some of the basics, check out these tips.

Find Your Spare Tire

Before you hit the road, be sure you know where to find your car's spare tire. Getting a flat tire and then discovering you don't have a spare can be quite frustrating. Similarly, getting a flat and discovering your spare tire is also flat can be even more annoying. Locate your spare tire and check on it periodically just to be sure it's ready for use. On top of this, get to know the tools you'll need to change your tire. You may be able to call roadside assistance if you get a flat, but you'll want to be prepared in case of an emergency. Watch some videos and learn to change a tire yourself and practice this at home until you're comfortable with the process.

Understand Your Car's Fluids

Your car has a number of fluids running through it that are essential to its wellbeing. Some of the most important ones that you should get comfortable with include the motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Get to know where these are all located in your car and what job they perform. You should also look up the lifespan of each one of these fluids so that you know when they will need to be changed. When you know where to locate each one of these fluids, get comfortable with checking on their condition so that you can identify when they need to get replaced.

Check Your Oil

One of the fluids you should get comfortable with is your car's motor oil. This fluid ensures your engine will be able to run properly and will keep it protected from premature wear. It will need to be changed every so often, which means you should be able to identify when it's time for new oil. First, get to know what fresh oil looks like and feels like. Identify where the oil is located and get to know how to check it. After this, be sure to check on your oil every so often so you're sure it's still in good enough shape to keep your engine happy. To ensure your engine is being protected, be sure to give your car a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which can help your car stay in better shape for longer. The friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc can help you find the right oil for the job. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more and check out their online shop for a full range of their products.

Keep an Eye on Your Battery

Your car's battery is essential if you want your car to keep moving. Without it or with a dead battery, your car won't go anywhere. Batteries last three to five years, so be sure to keep track of your battery's age. This will keep you alert so that you know when to start looking out for signs of it failing. It's also important that you learn to jumpstart your car just in case your battery ever dies and leaves you stranded. Be sure to carry jumper cables in your car so you're prepared to jumpstart it in case of an emergency.

Keep Your Tires in Good Shape

Finally, it's important that you keep an eye on your tires so that you can keep them at their best. When your tire pressure is too high or low, this can lead to reduced traction, difficulty maneuvering, and even reduced gas mileage. Check the manufacturer's recommendations so you know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and do your best to keep it at the recommended level. Don't forget to also check your tire walls and the tread to ensure your tires are still in good shape.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

Keep your car's insides in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Contact the friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc. to get their help when choosing an oil for your car. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more or to place your order.