Three Things Everyone Needs To Know About Their Car

A little knowledge prevents vehicle breakdowns and minimizes wear-and-tear, helping your car last longer. Here are some basic things that everyone needs to know about their car:

Your Car's Year, Make, and Model

Even though you would think this is a given, you'd be surprised at the amount of people who struggle with accurately providing this information. If your vehicle should require repairs, the auto shop will need to know these details so that the mechanics can be sure to use the right parts and fluids. If you have to, write this information down on a piece of paper and keep it in a secure place in your wallet so you'll have it handy when you need it.

Your Car's Vehicle Identification Number

Otherwise known as a VIN number, this 17-digit number is unique to your vehicle and contains information about its make, model, year, manufacturer, engine type, transmission, restraint system, etc. Although it isn't necessary to memorize this number, it's important to know where to find it. The VIN number is located where the dashboard on the driver's side meets the windshield. It's also a good idea to write down the VIN number on a separate piece of paper and put it in a safe place where you can quickly access it if something happens to your vehicle.

Your Car's Dashboard Lights

Many drivers ignore dashboard lights, and while it may be true that some are more serious than others, it's never a good idea to overlook any of them. When a dashboard light is green, that means its corresponding system is good to go. If the light is yellow, this means that you need to have the situation looked at as soon as possible but that it's okay to drive the car in the meantime. If a red light appears on your dashboard, this means that you need to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. If you have a newer car, the dashboard lights may seem overwhelming, so be sure to sit down with your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with them.