Many people, especially millennials are buying their first cars this year. Since 2020 is often referred to as the age of COVID-19, some are saying that millennials are making car purchases. Ever since the pandemic broke, most people have been practicing social distancing as an attempt to better protect themselves against the virus. Instead of ride-sharing and public transport, many millennials turned to buying a car. This helps them go to work, run errands, and travel with fewer worries.
One growing trend among millennials is that they are choosing used cars over brand-new ones. This is since used cars are reliable and more practical. But since they are buying cars that are not brand new, it can be hard to ensure the safety of the vehicle.
If you are also a millennial who recently bought your own second-hand car, know that there are items worth investing in to make sure your investment is safe for driving. Here are some of them.
Windshield Repair or Replacement
You could have bought your car with an already foggy or a slightly damaged windshield. You may not even know it until you found small chips or cracks while washing your car. But no matter how small your windshield damage is, you need to make sure to repair your windshield or replace it as soon as possible.
It can be impossible to drive when your vision is impaired by that crack or hole in the windshield. The structural integrity of your car suffers even with tiny windshield damage. The last thing you need is for your airbag not to deploy during an accident due to your insistence to forgo fixing or replacing your windshield.
Ask your car insurance agent if they can cover the costs of repair. Know that a replacement may be required depending on the location and extent of the damage. Also, skip repairing or replacing the windshield yourself as only a pro can successfully replace your windshield and make sure it is compliant with state standards.
New Sets of Tires
One great way to check if your car needs a new set of tires is if it fails the penny test. Try to use a penny head on each of your tire’s several grooves. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, this only means your treads are worn and you now need new tires.
With a new set of tires, your car will have a safety cushion you enjoy for up to 100,000 miles. These make it easier for you to go, stop and turn as needed and boost its performance. Just make sure you buy the right set of tires that meets your specifications and the kind of weather you drive your car on.
Did you know that your tires can also impact your gas mileage? Your car won’t have to work harder again and will use less fuel if you have tires in great condition. Your overall driving experience will improve if you invest in the right brand-new tires.
Brake Maintenance
Brake issues can cause you anxiety and even put you and other people’s lives in danger. This is why every car owner, especially new ones should learn how to recognize brake issues. This will give you an advantage once your local mechanic starts talking about needing to repair or replace your brakes.
Some warning signs that tell you your car has a brake problem are as follows.
- Your brake warning light is on
- There is a rubbing, grinding, screeching, squealing or other ear-piercing noises heard
- You can feel a pulsation and vibration on your steering wheel or in the pedal
- There is a need to press down farther before your brake works
- You can smell a pungent, burning smell emitting from your tires
Maintain your brakes regularly by replacing them using premium quality brake fluids after every 12 to 18 months. Ensure your brake fluid levels are at just the right levels. If your car does not have an Anti-Lock-Brake System, consider the pros and cons before you install an ABS.
Headlights Upgrade
Your headlights can give you a car a distinctive look. This is one of the reasons why many car owners would replace their headlights. But know that the best reason to upgrade your headlights is for safety purposes.
If you now have dimmed, flickering, cloudy, or non-working headlights, this only means you either need to troubleshoot the headlights or have them replaced. This will make it easier and safer for you to drive after dark.
Improve Car Handling
A safe car can curve, swerve, and turn smoothly. You can end up losing control if your car does not have excellent handling. You can easily get into accidents and hurt yourself and other people on the road if you take car handling for granted.
Aside from having the right tires, you can improve car handling by ensuring your shock absorbers and suspensions are working great. Having a spoiler on your high-performance car can also be a good way to reduce drag and turbulent flow.
These are but some of the best ways to improve the safety of your car. Check which parts of your vehicle needs maintenance, repair, and replacement. With a safer car, you get that peace of mind while enjoying your new ride on the road.