First Love, First Car
Few memories endure time more strongly than a person’s first love or first car. And what is not so odd is that often the two are one and the same.
As a parent, we cannot choose our children’s first biological love but what we can do is help him or her learn how to choose the right car and make it last through loving care.
Related article: Best Cars for Teens Recommended by Consumer Reports
Used Car Recommendation for Teens and Older Car Owners
That was the message in a recent Chis Fix YouTube channel episode where the host discusses his recommendation of a first “learner car” (or one for someone who is looking for a used car that is reliable and will remain so for many years) based on the fact that it is a model you can learn how to practically do all of your maintenance and repairs: the 2013 Ford Escape Titanium.
Follow along with the host in this informative video as he does a “Show and Tell” explaining how and why he chose this model while demonstrating how properly maintaining it (or similar models) is not beyond the capabilities of most people and can save money with a car that will last…and perhaps leave behind some fond lasting memories while learning car ownership responsibility.
What’s in the Video?
In the video you will learn how-to:
- Choose the best website for finding your own “First Car”
- Use a free downloadable car maintenance checklist
- Upgrade your used car’s factory glass and why you may want to do this
- Use a simple OBDII scanner for an initial car health check
- Diagnose and perform common simple car repairs that would cost you thousands at a dealership garage
- Inspect and change all of your vehicle’s fluids and filters
- Inspect and change your spark plugs
- Inspect and replace your car battery
- Inspect and fix common turbo problems
- Replace wiper arms and blades
- Install a dash cam in an older used car without using the cig lighter plug
- Get rid of a common coolant problem cause
- Replace your old brake pads with new ones
- Perform tire inspections
- Find any recalls on your vehicle
How to Perfectly Maintain Your First Car
For additional articles related to cars for first time owners or those in need of a budget car, here are two for your consideration:
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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Image source: Deposit Photos