Getting your first car is a life milestone for many. You no doubt want to make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained so that it can provide you many years of service out on the open road. While some car maintenance tips, like changing the engine oil every 3 months or sooner, are common knowledge, there are some other areas of the car that every good car owner should keep an eye on. Here are 3 car maintenance tips for rookie drivers to help you keep your vehicle out of the auto repair shop.

Read the Warning Lights Guide And Everything Else In The Manual

If you really want to get to know your vehicle inside and out, the best place to start is the owner's manual. But specifically, make it a point to take a look at all of the possible lights on your car's dashboard and figure out what they all mean. Whether it's the Check Engine light, the Oil Light, the Brake Light or the light indicating a tire with low air, each one serves a specific purpose. A bit of reading can ensure that you are prepared to leap into action the moment something goes wrong with your vehicle so that your potential problem can be fixed ASAP.

Engine Oil And More

Most car owners know the importance of regularly changing their engine oil but there are quite a few other things under the hood that should also be replaced in a timely manner. Your car's brake and transmission fluid as well as the air filter should all be inspected each time you take the car into the repair shop for an oil change. Also periodically check your battery's charge and ensure that any corrosion is cleaned off.

Take Care of the Tires Too

While many new car owners obsess with making sure things are going right under the hood, it can sometimes be easy to forget to also pay close attention to a part of your car that's actually in plain sight. Regular tire maintenance is key not just for safe driving but also for the life of the tires. Buy a tire pressure gauge at any auto repair shop and periodically check to make sure your tires are still within the suggested range. Driving on underinflated tires can seriously decrease tire lifespan. When you take your car in for an oil change, don't forget to ask them to rotate the tires so the tread does not get worn out on only one side.

If you want to keep your car in top shape, regular maintenance is key. Familiarize yourself with your car owner's manual and the car's dashboard so that you are prepared when something goes wrong. When it comes to regular maintenance, don't just change the engine oil and call it a day. Your tires, transmission fluid, air filter and some other areas could also use some love. For best results, schedule a full check up at a local auto repair shop like Benchmark Motors INC on a regular basis.