Becoming a first time driver is one of the best feelings in the world when you reach adulthood. The independence you feel from being able to make your own way where you need to be is incomparable, and having your own car is a brilliant feeling.
However, when you do get your first car there are a lot of things you need to think about. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a car and not pay attention to the other things; but today we want to take you through some of the things you should be aware of.
Insurance might be steep
When shopping for your first car you might be pleasantly surprised at how affordable many makes and models are. However, it is important to remember that insurance can be much more expensive than the car itself. Depending on your age, gender, and type of car – you may end up paying a lot for your insurance in the first year. When looking for insurance quotes use a site such as Uswitch to compare prices and get the best one you possibly can for your car. You may however have to change the car you want in order to reduce your insurance premium in that first crucial year.
Parking is expensive
It is ridiculous how much inner-city parking costs. If you have bought a car with the idea of avoiding public transport into the city, you need to first be aware of the cost of parking and decide if you can possibly afford this. Parking in the city is steep due to the demand, so be sure before you buy a car that you do your research and ensure that your finances add up. We know how hard it can be to use public transport and be at the mercy of others when coming home, so if it really makes a big difference to your life and happiness, make it work.
Find good quality fuel
It is important to try and find a fuel station in your local area that offers good quality fuel that isn’t watered down. You’ll often find that smaller independent fuel stations use this tactic because it is cheaper for them however this can cause a problem for you as your fuel will run out much quicker. Instead, go to a reputable station such as Shell or Costco and the fuel will last a lot longer and give you a healthier car. Fuel is something not many of us really think closely about, but it is worth buying the good stuff.
Clean your car often
If you want your first car to stay in good condition for as long as possible it is a good idea for you to clean it at least once a month, if not more. Cleaning your car inside and put gas the obvious benefits of keeping it dust free and hygienic – but it also does more than that. Cleaning your car helps to keep the paintwork from rust or mold from forming around the seals of your windows. Cleaning your car is an important step in the upkeep of your car so be ready to do this often to ensure it stays healthy.
Be prepared for accidents
The hope is that you will never have an accident in your car, and most of us never will. However, it is worth being ready for anything to happen and this includes a car accident. Make sure you know what to do after an accident such as taking photos, information, and witness contact information. It is a good idea to have the information on a law firm for car accident injuries in your phone and ready to use if you need it.
Remember tax
It is important as a first time car owner that you are aware of how much you need to pay in tax. For those in California, note that the tax is not based on the city you buy it from but where you live. So consider this when you see good deals that are about 100 miles away from your home. Every car is different in this respect, and if you don’t pay tax on your car you could get in trouble. It may be a good idea for you to set a yearly reminder a month before your tax is due to pay it.
There are a lot of things to consider when you own a car for the first time, and we hope you take all of these things into your mind when you start the hunt. Be responsible and plan your time wisely, and you’ll be able to enjoy having a car for years to come.
