What should everyone know about their car? | OK Carz

Woman behind the wheel of a car, looking at the dashboard with a sales person looking on

Important things that everyone should know about their car

Whether you’re driving a fresh-off-the-lot model, mom’s old minivan, or a new-to-you used vehicle, there are a bunch of things that you probably don’t know about your car. While there are some things that you don’t need to know, like how many people can fit in the trunk, there are plenty of important aspects that you might not realize are as crucial as they are. Some of these are important to your vehicle functioning properly, and some are just important to know so you have a clearer picture of your car, but all of them are important things to know about your vehicle. 

 Year, Make, and Model 

The year, make, and model of your car is the best way to identify it to other people, and when you take it for service or trying to replace anything from windshield wipers to oil filters, you’ll need to know exactly what type of car you have. If you can’t remember, you can find all of that information in the owner’s manual.  

What Paperwork you need 

Speaking of the owner’s manual, which is generally located in the glovebox, you’ll need to keep some paperwork in your vehicle. Your proof of insurance and vehicle registration should be kept in an easily accessible place, like the glovebox. One piece of paperwork you don’t need in your car is the title, as it makes you an easy target for theft.  

[Related: What the check engine light means]

VIN 

Young woman checking her oil

The Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is a string of numbers and letters that are unique to your vehicle. Using the VIN, you can locate your vehicle and learn more about your vehicle’s history by running a VIN report. To find your VIN, you can check on the driver side interior dash, the front of the engine, or the driver’s door jam.  

Checking the fluid 

Checking the fluids in your vehicle is one of the ways that you can ensure that your car continues to properly function. With some regularity, you’ll want to check your brake, transmission, and power steering fluid, as well as your coolant and oil. Of those fluids, the oil is changed the most regularly and should be checked more often. 

Why should you learn about your car? 

Learning about your current vehicle can only help you in the long run. For one, you’ll be able to speak knowledgeably about your car, and you’ll be able to learn more about what you like and don’t like in your vehicle. You’ll also be prepared for a variety of issues that can come up. Learn more about how to maintain your vehicle and more on the OkCarz blog, which has information that will help you talk about vehicles other than your own.  

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