Owning a car is a big responsibility, especially for students who are always on the go. It’s important to know a few basic things to keep your car running safely and smoothly. You don’t have to be a mechanic; just learning some simple skills can save you time, money, and stress. Here are a few car tips every student should know.

How to Change Oil
Changing oil is important so you can keep your engine running well. It is recommended to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. To drain the oil, you must get under the car and remove the oil drain plug from the oil pan and the oil filter from the engine. Once all the oil has drained out, place the drain plug back into the oil pan and put a new oil filter back onto the engine.

The next step is to go back to the top of the engine, remove the oil cap, and pour the designated amount and type of oil back into the car. Finally, once the oil is poured in, place the cap back on, turn the car on, and check under the vehicle to make sure nothing is leaking. If nothing is leaking, then your car is ready to go.

How to Change a Tire
Changing a tire is an important thing to know so you’re not stranded on the side of the road. The first step is to remove the spare tire and jack stand from the vehicle. Most spares are usually located in the trunk, and jack stands are either underneath a seat or in a compartment in the trunk.

Next, jack up the car by placing the jack under the frame and pump it to lift the car. To remove the tire, take a tire iron—some cars come with them and some don’t—and remove the lug nuts holding the flat on. Finally, place the spare back onto the car and tighten the lug nuts. Then slowly twist the handle on the jack to lower the car, and you are good to go.

How to Jump Start a Car
Knowing how to jump-start a car is a very useful thing to know, especially if your vehicle battery is dead. On a battery and jumper cables, there is a positive side (red) and a negative side (black).

To start the jumping process, first hook up the positive side of the cables to the positive sides of the dead and good batteries. They have a red cover on them and a plus sign. Next, hook up one of the negative sides of the cables to the negative side of the good battery. Then, the other negative side of the cable has to be hooked onto a piece of metal on the car to be grounded. The final step is to turn the car with the good battery on and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.

How to Check Tire Pressure
If you notice that your vehicle is favoring one side or another, the air pressure in your tire might be low. To check your tire pressure, you will need to take a tire gauge over to the low tire and place it firmly on the valve stem in the wheel.

If the air pressure is low in the tire, take an air compressor and place it on the valve stem, and begin filling it back up with air. The average tire pressure for a car is about 30 to 35 PSI, but check the car’s manual to find the correct amount of air the tires need.

For more tips on car care for new drivers, see this article in Consumer Reports.