10 Things Every Car Owner Should Know (But Most Don’t)

Oghale Patrick

Most people think car ownership is easy—just fill the tank and drive. But ignoring basic car knowledge can lead to breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even dangerous situations on the road. The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic to keep your car healthy. Here are 10 simple but powerful things every car owner should know (but most don’t).

1. How to Check Your Engine Oil Properly

Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. Without it, metal grinds on metal, overheating your engine and causing total failure.

How to check it:

  • Park on level ground

  • Wait for the engine to cool

  • Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, insert again, then remove

  • Oil should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks

Why it matters:
Low or dirty oil = engine damage, overheating, and costly repairs.

Pro tip:
Use synthetic oil for better protection and longer intervals.

2. What Your Dashboard Lights Really Mean

Most drivers panic when a light comes on—or worse, ignore it completely. Here are the big three:

  • Check Engine: Something is wrong. Not always urgent, but don’t ignore it.

  • Oil Pressure Light: Stop immediately—your engine may be starving for oil.

  • Battery/Charging Light: Your alternator or battery may be failing.

Dashboard lights exist to save you money before damage happens.

3. The Right Tire Pressure (Not What’s On the Tire)

Many drivers think the number printed on the tire is the correct pressure. It’s not.

The correct tire pressure is on your driver-side door frame sticker.

Why tire pressure matters:

  • Better fuel economy

  • Longer-lasting tires

  • Improved braking and handling

  • Safer driving in all weather

Check pressure at least once a month and before long trips.

4. How Often You Actually Need to Change Your Oil

Gone are the days of every 3,000 miles. Today:

  • Synthetic oil: 7,000–10,000 miles

  • Conventional oil: 3,000–5,000 miles

Always check your owner’s manual or maintenance schedule.

Skipping oil changes is the #1 cause of engine failure.

5. How to Jump-Start a Car Safely

People damage cars—or themselves—by connecting cables incorrectly.

The correct order:

  1. Red to dead battery

  2. Red to good battery

  3. Black to good battery

  4. Black to metal ground on the dead car (not the battery)

Start the good car, wait, then start the dead one.

A portable jump starter is even safer and easier.

6. Why You Should Never Ignore Strange Noises

Cars talk before they break. Learn to listen. Trust me, I once got in a serious car accident because the driver didn’t think the strange noise I kept hearing meant anything, until two of the tires popped out in the middle of a highway.

Common warning sounds:

  • Squealing: Worn belts or brake pads

  • Grinding: Brake rotors being destroyed

  • Rattling: Loose parts or exhaust issues

  • Knocking: Serious engine trouble

If something sounds “off,” get it checked early—it always costs less to fix problems sooner.

7. The Importance of Regular Brake Checks

Brakes are your car’s most important safety system. But many people wait until they hear grinding metal.

Signs your brakes need attention:

  • Soft or spongy pedal

  • Car pulls to one side

  • Vibrations when braking

  • High-pitched squealing

Brake pads are cheap compared to replacing rotors or calipers.

8. How to Make Your Car Battery Last Longer

Batteries don’t last forever. But you can extend their life.

Tips to keep it healthy:

  • Drive regularly (short trips kill batteries)

  • Clean terminal corrosion

  • Ensure the alternator is charging properly

  • Turn off lights and electronics when parked

Most car batteries last 2–5 years depending on climate and usage.

9. The Fluids You Should Check Besides Oil

Your car uses multiple fluids to stay alive. Check them monthly:

  • Coolant – prevents overheating

  • Brake fluid – crucial for safe braking

  • Transmission fluid – keeps shifting smooth

  • Power steering fluid – if applicable

  • Windshield washer fluid – for visibility

Most modern cars have transparent reservoirs—just look at the “MIN/MAX” marks.

10. The Hidden Maintenance Item That Can Destroy Your Engine: The Timing Belt/Chain

This is the most overlooked part of car maintenance because you can’t see it.

Timing belts usually need replacement every 60,000–100,000 miles.
Timing chains last longer but still require inspection.

If it breaks while the engine is running?

The engine is often completely destroyed.

This is one maintenance item you never want to delay.

Car ownership doesn’t require mechanical expertise—just a little knowledge. By understanding these 10 simple things, you’ll save money, reduce breakdowns, extend your car’s life, and stay safer on the road.