🚗Basic Car Care Every Young Adult Should Know

There comes a moment in every young adult’s life when they realize…
cars don’t just magically keep working.

No one teaches this stuff in school, yet somehow you’re expected to know what “low tire pressure” means, when to get an oil change, and why your car is making that noise 😳

So let’s fix that.

This is your no-overwhelm, real-life guide to basic car care—no mechanic degree required 💛

🛢️ 1. Oil Changes = Non-Negotiable

Think of oil as your car’s lifeblood.

👉 Change it every 3,000–5,000 miles (or follow your car manual)

Why it matters:
Dirty oil = engine damage = $$$ 😬

💡 Easy tip:
Set a reminder on your phone the day you get it changed

🚨 2. Know Your Dashboard Lights

Those little symbols? They’re not decorations.

• 🔴 Red = STOP NOW

• 🟡 Yellow = Check it soon

• 🟢/🔵 = Informational

Most common ones:

• Check engine light

• Tire pressure light

• Oil light

💡 If you don’t know what it means… Google it immediately or ask someone

🛞 3. Tire Pressure Matters More Than You Think

Low tires =
❌ worse gas mileage
❌ unsafe driving
❌ faster wear

👉 Check once a month (takes 2 minutes!)

💡 Pro tip:
Your correct PSI is on a sticker inside your driver door—not the tire

🔋 4. Don’t Get Stranded with a Dead Battery

Batteries usually last 3–5 years

Warning signs:

• Slow start

• Dim lights

• Clicking sound when turning key

💡 Know this:
You should ALWAYS know how to jump a car (or at least who to call 😅)

💧 5. Fluids = Your Car’s Hidden MVPs

Your car runs on more than gas:

• Coolant (prevents overheating)

• Brake fluid

• Windshield washer fluid (don’t skip this one 😂)

👉 Check fluids every couple months

🧼 6. Yes… You Actually Need to Wash Your Car

It’s not just about looking good 👀

• Dirt can damage paint

• Salt (hello Colorado winters ❄️) causes rust

💡 Simple rule: Wash it every few weeks

🚦 7. Pay Attention to How Your Car FEELS

Your car will tell you when something’s wrong:

• Weird noises 🔊

• Shaking or vibrating

• Pulling to one side

👉 Don’t ignore it—small problems turn into BIG ones fast

🧰 8. Keep a “Just in Case” Kit in Your Car

Trust me on this one 👇

• Jumper cables

• Phone charger

• Flashlight 🔦

• Blanket

• Water + snacks

• Tire pressure gauge

💡 This turns panic into “I’ve got this” energy

💛 Real Talk Moment:

Adulting means realizing…

👉 Preventing problems is WAY cheaper than fixing them

And knowing just a little about your car?
That’s confidence, independence, and peace of mind 💪

🌈 Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Know Everything

You don’t need to be a mechanic.

You just need to:
✔️ Pay attention
✔️ Stay consistent
✔️ Ask for help when needed

Because the goal isn’t perfection…
it’s not being stranded on the side of the road googling “what now??” 😅