5 things your car is begging you to buy

Owning a car makes life more convenient, but it’s also a gigantic responsibility. Cars can be a headache that require expensive repairs, and the endless variety of different parts means there’s plenty of room for maintenance problems. We’ve listed five items that every responsible car owner should have so you know the tools that can help you in case of emergency. 

1. An owner’s manual

If you’re struggling to decipher a symbol on your dashboard or unsure how to tackle a maintenance issue, the internet isn’t your only resource for solving the problem at hand. Every vehicle comes with an owner’s manual, and these handy books can offer guidance in a variety of scenarios. Not all cars are alike, and owner’s manuals contain advice specific to the make, model, and year of your car.

Consulting the manual can remedy problems, but it’s also a great place to find general knowledge about the vehicle you drive. Owner’s manuals typically address common concerns related to maintenance, repairs, and safety, and they’ll lead you in the right direction when you do encounter complications.

2. A tire pressure gauge 

Tire pressure may seem like a minuscule detail, but it’s actually a hugely important part of properly maintaining a car. It might not be immediately obvious that you’re driving cars with low pressure, and that only makes it more important to equip yourself with the tools to check this regularly. When you travel too much on low tire pressure, it lowers the lifespan of your tires. Poor tire pressure can also make things like braking and steering function less smoothly, which will naturally make you more prone to accidents. Perhaps the biggest risk of bad tire pressure is the potential for tire blowouts.

This occurs when a tire rapidly and unexpectedly gives out, causing a car’s driver to lose control of the vehicle. Because low tire pressure can be so dangerous, all car owners should purchase a tire pressure gauge. This will assist you in identifying whether or not the tires on your vehicle are safely inflated. Some tire pressure gauges are mechanical and some are electronic, but either version works to ensure safe tire pressure. Buying one of these devices might save you a trip or two to the mechanic, because you’ll be able to manage tire pressure yourself. 

3. Jumper cables 

We like to think of our cars as invincible, but the truth is that trouble can strike at any time. Many drivers have found themselves in a situation where they try turning on their car’s ignition only to realize that the battery is dead. This is obviously frustrating, but it shouldn’t be cause for immediate panic.

If you invest in a set of jumper cables, these will be your lifeline in unfortunate scenarios like this one. The purpose of jumper cables is to connect two cars together. They allow a dead car to siphon energy from another vehicle until it’s able to run again. If you don’t have jumper cables on hand, you’ll be much more inconvenienced when your car battery dies. 

4. Tire sealant 

Though low pressure is one potential problem, it’s not the only one car owners face. When a tire gets a hole or goes completely flat, it puts a major wrench in the ability of a car to function. By having tire sealant on hand, you can keep yourself afloat on your way to the nearest auto shop for a tire change. Tire sealant is generally made of latex, and applying it can patch up holes in a pinch. 

5. All vehicle fluids 

Car maintenance relies on several essential fluids, and the best practice is to have them in your possession at all times. Engine oil and brake fluid are two of the most important, as neglecting to keep these at an appropriate level can pose extreme danger. Windshield washer fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid are a handful of the other liquids that all drivers should keep in their garage at all times.

Shop Transwest

At Transwest, our employees are filled with knowledge and always eager to help. Stop by a Transwest location or explore our vehicle selection online, and we’ll happily assist in your journey to find a new car.