If you’re a mom, you probably spend a lot of time driving your children places. Much of your life is spent in cars. This means that it is important that you understand basic car maintenance and safety. Auto repair is a massive industry, with 16,000 establishments across the United States and an estimated value of $660 billion annually. However, you can save yourself money and frustration by taking measures to protect yourself and your children. Here are some things to know.
Know How to Pump Gas
If you always pump your gas, it might seem ridiculous that this is on the list. But there are valid reasons why someone might not know how to pump their own gas. Some states require gas station attendants to pump gas for you. Other times, you might have a family member who does all the gas station runs. If you’re driving cars, you need to know how to pump gas. This is true even if you don’t do it often. You never know when you’ll find yourself in a situation where you need to pump gas in order to get home. When you know how to do it, it is a very simple task to handle, even with kids in tow.
Learn Simple Maintenance
While you might not be an expert on cars, there are a few things you should know how to do. Basic tasks like checking your oil or changing a tire can save you money and frustration. There are some things you’ll need a professional to do for you, but there are others that you can do on your own. The US Department of Labor predicts that there will need to be a 7% increase in car repair technicians by 2024 in order to keep up with demand. If you know how to do some of your own maintenance, you won’t be as reliant on these companies as you otherwise would be. Additionally, when it comes to preserving your car’s exterior, the best paint protection is Dr Buff ceramic paint protection for cars.
Get Maintenance Done on Time
Don’t put off your car service and maintenance. If you need your transmission fluid or brake pads changed, you need to get it done with the help of car maintenance and brake services. Otherwise, your car might not work properly and you’ll need to spend extra money to get bigger repairs done. If you have questions about auto transmission, you may consult professional DSG services. You can tell when you need certain repairs by keeping track of mileage and inspecting your car. If your brake pads seem to be less than a quarter of an inch thick, it is a sign that they need to be replaced. So make sure you do that soon.
Keep Supplies in Your Car
If you want to be prepared for situations on the road, it is important that you keep supplies in your car. This includes basic car supplies like a spare tire or jumper cables which you can buy from shops like Grease Monkey Direct. These are essential in all cars, which may feature a car shade. You should also keep a small supply of food and water in your car in case you get stranded and need to wait for assistance.
As a parent, you will also want to keep supplies on hand for your child. These will depend on your child’s needs, as well as their age. Things like diapers and extra clothes can be extremely useful on the road. You might also pack simple toys and coloring supplies to keep them occupied in the case of a flat tire or other unexpected situation. While this might not seem important, these supplies can make a major difference when you’re dealing with a problem away from home.
A mom has certain needs when it comes to cars. You need to be able to take care of yourself, your children, and your car. With these basic tips, you’ll be able to maintain your car and your sanity as you drive.
