You’ve just bought your first car— congratulations!

The open road is ready and waiting, and you can’t wait to start exploring.

However, as a new car owner, do you know everything that car ownership entails? Your car requires regular care and maintenance to make sure it’s running well.

Keep reading to learn the most common car owner mistakes— read on to learn more about them, along with the dangers they can cause.

Look after your car by avoiding the below and you should have a great experience as a new car owner.

Not Fixing Scratches

Has your car been dinged in a parking lot or minor fender bender? It can be easy to ignore scratches, dents, or scrapes to save money.

However, all damage to your car, however small, should be fixed by a professional body repair shop as soon as possible. Cracks and scratches put the vehicle at risk of rust damage and can damage the paint beyond repair.

Not to mention that body damage can dramatically reduce the value of your car.

Not Knowing How to Change a Tire

If you don’t know how to change a tire, learn today! Every car owner should know how to safely change a tire. You should also always travel with a spare.

Even if you have a AAA or car service membership, you never know when you might be caught out or without phone service.

Don’t risk your personal safety— learn how to use a jack and change a tire. Once you know the basics, it’s a simple process.

Skipping Oil Changes

Have you ever skipped an oil change to save on car expenses? Seems fine, the car keeps running, right?

Actually, oil changes are very important and should never be missed. Oil and filter changes, if neglected, can reduce fuel consumption, lead to a dirty engine, and can cause your car to overheat.

Oil lubricates the engine and keeps it working smoothly.

The small cost of regular oil changes can save you huge repair bills further down the track.

A top tip— if you’re purchasing a used car, always make sure to ask for the car owner history, which should include proof of regular servicing and maintenance.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

Have you ever seen your car’s check engine light come on, bright on the dashboard? It’s hard to know exactly what this means, as it can often be a range of things. Some are small, but others are serious.

The check engine light may indicate a loose gas cap, spark plug problems, or major engine issues. Unless you’re a car expert, the best action is to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you’re able.

They can diagnose the problem and make sure your car is safe to drive.

Contact Us for Expert Car Ownership Help

Contact us for expert car help in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area. Our friendly and professional team can assist with car body repair services, making sure your vehicle is in perfect condition.

Get in touch today and we look forward to helping with all of your car ownership needs. With a bit of love and care, your trusted car can last for years to come.

Are you looking for the best auto body shop near your area? Finding a quality car service saves you time, money, and prevents a lot of stress.

Keep these questions in mind when you’re searching for an auto body repair shop that you can trust.

Are Your Technicians at the Auto Body Repair Shop Certified?

Before handing your vehicle over to technicians, you want peace of mind they have the right certifications. Certified technicians possess the knowledge and skills to handle just about any type of auto repair.

This is an indication of their competence and their long experience in the business. You also have the benefit of relying on professionals that are aware of safety procedures in auto repair to provide you with an excellent service.

So, you need to make sure you find out about their certifications and level of competency.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

When you want a professional to work on your car, you want the assurance of  a written warranty. If you’re having major repairs on your vehicle, you need to make certain the auto shop offers a warranty.

Find out how long the warranty will be effective and learn what it covers. You want to be certain that you’re getting a good warranty for at least 2 years.

Make sure you keep all your warranty documentation, so you can easily access them whenever necessary.

How Long Will the Repair Take?

Before you hire an auto repair service, you should know how long it takes them to fix your vehicle. The repairs for your vehicle may depend on certain factors.

Some of these may consist of the extent of your car damage or the length of time you have to wait to get the car replacements you need. Make sure you receive an estimate to decide if you should hire the auto body service or look for another professional to do the job.

How Will My Vehicle Look After It’s Repaired?

If your car has special paint colors, you should know if the auto service will choose a color for the damaged area that is a close match to your vehicle. You could also have expectations of how your vehicle will look once it’s repaired.

To avoid disappointment or issues with the auto service, you should know ahead of time how your car will look once it is serviced.

What Are Your Payment Methods?

You need to know how much you’ll have to pay and what type of payment methods they accept. Learning about their payment policies makes it easier for you to decide if you’re dealing with a service that’s right for you.

Choose a Credible Service That Fits Your Needs

Follow these simple tips to find the right auto body repair shop that will give you the perfect car repair.

Do you have more questions? If you want a car repair service, contact us for more information.