Getting your first car is exciting, but learning how to take care of your car can be overwhelming. Here are a few things you need to know about your car as a new driver.

Learn the Basics

You don't have to be a car expert to drive a car, but you should know some basics. Learning about some of the basic parts of a car and what they're called will help you a lot if you have to visit a car repair shop, and you can even learn some basic maintenance on your own over time.

Keep an Emergency Kit

Getting stranded on the road is always a possibility, and tow trucks can take a while to arrive. Keep yourself safe by preparing an emergency kit to keep in your car, complete with food, water, lights, batteries, and anything else you may need when you're out on the road. Keeping some basic tools in your trunk is also smart.

Keep Up With Inspections

Regular inspections help you avoid expensive car repair bills. For example, according to Cars.com, you should have your brake fluid inspected and tested every two to five years if you live in a high-humidity area. Routine inspections can save you time and money, so don't skip them.

Change Your Oil

Keeping clean oil in your engine is one of the best things you can do to take care of your car. The interval at which you change your oil may vary based on the type of oil your engine uses and your manufacturer's recommendation, but it's smart to change your oil every 5 thousand miles or so.

Watch for Warning Lights

When you're driving, you may notice lights on your dashboard that suddenly turn on. Many of the lights on your dashboard are there to warn you about engine problems, whether you've got low oil pressure, a problem with your automatic braking system, or a general engine problem that requires diagnostics tools to figure out.

Taking care of your first car helps you avoid expensive car repair bills, plus you won't have to buy a second car as quickly. Learning some basics about cars and keeping up with maintenance are key factors in keeping your car in great shape. If you're in need of car repair or maintenance, call Tires Plus to schedule service.