Vehicles are an awesome way to get around and a privilege to have, although they aren’t without their faults, either. There are certain things you need to know before getting behind the wheel to prepare you for any hiccups that you might experience while on the road. Here are the basic car skills that everyone should know when operating a motor vehicle.
How To Change a Flat
The first thing you will need is a jack and a tire iron. You should place the jack underneath the frame of the car, where you can find the rear wheel. Then, using the tire iron, raise the jack until the tire is off the ground and you can work. Once you have removed all the lug nuts off the wheel with a wrench, replace it with a spare that should have been in the trunk or somewhere in the car. Lower the jack, stash it where you found it, and you’re ready for the road.
How To Check the Tire Pressure
You will need a tire gauge that you can purchase at just about any gas station or store, no matter where you go. If you go to the tire, you’ll be looking for a tire plug sticking out of the side of the tire where the tire gauge nipple will be sticking out. Take the top off and add the gauge firmly, and it should give you an accurate reading. The PSI should read anywhere from 32 to 40 PSI, and you’ll be set.
How To Check the Oil
When you open the hood, you’ll be looking for what is known as the dipstick. To find this, look at the main housing in the middle of the engine. You’ll find a little spout with a circular device sticking out with an oil image or sticker. Pull on it, and a long, lubed-up metal stick should come out. On the end of the stick should be a small dollop of oil and an indicator. If there isn’t much oil, then your dipstick will be dry. If there’s enough, then the oil will be filled to the line on the indicator, and you’ll be good to go. You can choose to add oil or have your engine serviced at this point.
Getting Into Your Locked Car
In most cases, you will either call on a policeman or a locksmith to come out and help you with getting into your locked car, but one might cost you a ticket, while the other might cost you a bill. To avoid this, you can use your very own locksmith set. And the more you practice, the better you will get at it, so it’s important that you practice often or enough to know how to do it effectively.
When you’re on the road, it’s important to have everything you need with you if something goes wrong. You could get stranded in an instant, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any momentary lapse in judgment, accident, or hiccup. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the basic car skills that everyone should know so you’ll be prepared no matter what.
