After all of the driving lessons from mom, dad and your driving instructor and taking a driver's ed class, you have successfully passed your driver's test and now you have that prized possession that every teenager strives to achieve – your license! And to add to the excitement, your parents have bestowed you with their old car.

There's nothing more liberating than getting your license and a car; but, taking care of your car is a big responsibility. Without proper care, you could put yourself or someone else in harm's way, break down on the side of the road or pay through the nose for car repairs. In order to avoid these problems, here are some important car care tips to keep for you, the new driver.

Check the Tires

The tires are what separate you and the road. If they're not in good shape, you could be putting yourself in danger; not to mention you'll end up spending more on gas.

To make sure your tires are in good shape, check them regularly. At least once a month, check the pressure and the treads. If the pressure is below the suggested PSI, inflate them so that they are between the suggested range. To check the tread, do the quarter test. Place a quarter into the grooves of your tires and if the tread hits Washington's head, you're in good shape; if Washington's head isn't touching the tread, it's time to get new tires.

Check the Oil

Oil is one of the most critical fluids in your car, as it keeps the engine running smoothly. If it's low, you'll do some serious damage to your car. It's recommended that you check your oil at least once a month (though more often is better.)

To check the oil, make sure the engine is off and that the car is parked on a level surface. Pop the hood, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, dip it back in and pull it out again. If the oil level is in the acceptable range that is indicated on the dipstick, you're good to go; if it's not, check the owner's manual and add oil according to the instructions.

Schedule a Tune-Up

In order to ensure that your car is running properly, make sure you have regular tune ups. The rule of thumb for tune ups is every two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. During a tune up, the fuel filter, spark plugs and fluid levels, among other things, will be checked out and assessed as needed.

Having your license and a car is awesome; just make sure you take care of your car so that you can enjoy your newfound freedom without issues. 

To learn more, contact a company like PDR Automotive Inc.