You just bought a car — now what?

Whether it’s your first vehicle or your fifth, brand new or previously owned, taking the proper care and maintenance steps can go a long way towards saving you money in the long run.

Here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

1. Follow your owner’s manual. It sounds simple and obvious, but how many of us have ever even opened our owner’s manual? Beyond teaching you how to operate a high-tech dashboard, this important book will also tell you how often you need to check vital fluids  and service the vehicle.
2. Go easy during the break-in period. Usually the first 1000 kilometers for a new vehicle, the break-in period is when you need to be patient with your vehicle to protect the engine pistons. Avoid heavy loads like a trailer, keep acceleration medium to light, and try not to idle for long periods of time.
3. Remember to check fluid levels. This includes your coolant, brake and power steering fluid. It’s easy to do and gives you the best preventative maintenance bang for your buck. All year around and especially during the winter, choose Prestone products to keep your vehicle in top shape. Their antifreeze works better than any other brand in stopping corrosion, which leads to overheating that in turn can lead to breakdowns.