Avoid These 5 Mistakes After Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is a milestone for anyone, reflecting thorough research, careful investment, and a desire for comfort and reliability. However, the excitement of driving your brand-new vehicle can sometimes overshadow basic but important practices every new car owner should keep in mind.

Here are five common and costly mistakes to avoid after purchasing a new car. Steering clear of these errors will help you enjoy your ride for years to come with optimal safety, performance, and value.

1) Ignoring Break-In Period Rules

The first 1,000–1,500 km you drive in a new car—often called the break-in period—play a big role in how healthy your engine and other parts stay over the long run. During this time, the engine, gearbox, brakes, and even the tires are adjusting and settling into place.

A lot of new car owners don’t take this seriously and drive the car just like an old one—pushing it to high speeds, accelerating hard, braking suddenly, or carrying extra load. It might feel harmless, but these habits can shorten engine life, increase oil usage, and cause problems much earlier than expected.

What you should do instead is simple: drive at moderate speeds, avoid revving too high, don’t overload the car, and skip towing for now. Following these guidelines helps the engine parts fit in smoothly, keeps seals tight, and ensures oil flows evenly. The reward? A smoother, stronger, and more reliable car for years to come.

2) Avoid Illegal Modification

It’s natural to want to customize your brand-new car, but not every modification is safe—or even legal. A few common mistakes include installing extra-bright LED/HID headlights, using dark or reflective window films, fitting oversized tires, or adding loud aftermarket horns.

While these upgrades might look or sound cool, they come with risks. Super-bright headlights can blind oncoming drivers and break RTO rules. Dark window tints are banned in most states for safety and law enforcement reasons. Extra-wide tires may affect handling, strain the suspension, and hurt fuel economy. And noisy horns often exceed legal sound limits, which can get you fined.

On top of that, such modifications could void your warranty and even cause your insurance company to reject claims after an accident. So, before making changes to your car’s lights, tires, horns, or windows, it’s always best to check the law and your manufacturer’s guidelines.

3) Forgetting to Buy Essential Accessories

Many owners rush to buy vanity accessories but overlook useful essentials that actually improve day-to-day car ownership. A few well-chosen additions can save the day in emergencies, keep your car clean, and simplify daily driving. Consider investing in:

• Dash Camera: Provides evidence in case of an accident and can protect you against insurance fraud. Buy Link
• Tyre Inflator: Allows you to top up air at home or during trips, saving time and possibly preventing a breakdown. Buy Link
• Floor Mats: Protect the original carpeting from dirt, spills, and wear. Buy Link
• 12V Dual USB Charger: Ensures all devices are charged, especially during long drives. Buy Link
• Wireless Vacuum Cleaner: Handy for keeping the interior clean, especially if you have children or pets. Buy Link
• Microfiber Cloth: Safely cleans dust from dashboards, displays, and glass without scratches. Buy Link

These basics can make your driving experience more comfortable and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

4) Not Taking Insurance Add-Ons Seriously

When it comes to car insurance, many new buyers simply pick a standard policy and ignore the add-ons, thinking they’re unnecessary expenses. This is a mistake that can lead to huge out-of-pocket expenses later. Extremely useful insurance add-ons include:

• Return to Invoice Cover: In case of total loss or theft, ensures you get the car's invoice value, not just depreciated value.
• Engine Protection: Covers costly engine repairs not included in basic policies, especially important during monsoon season.
• Double Key Protection: Pays for replacement of both keys if lost or stolen.
• Roadside Assistance: Provides emergency help for breakdowns, flat tires, battery issues, or accidental lockouts.

These add-ons, for a small annual cost, offer peace of mind and can be a financial lifesaver. Review all available options during purchase or renewal and choose what suits your usage patterns and region best.

5) Not Reading the Owner’s Manual

Despite being filled with vital information, most car owners leave the owner’s manual to gather dust in the glovebox. This is a big mistake. The manual tells you:

• Correct tyre pressure (which affects safety, mileage, and ride quality).
• Recommended fuel type (to avoid knocking and maintain warranty).
• Exact service intervals and maintenance tasks (missing these can void your warranty).
• Details of standard and advanced features (like cruise control, automatic headlamps, TPMS, and more).
• Proper towing methods, fuse box layouts, and troubleshooting steps.

A careful read of the manual helps you fully utilize your car’s capabilities, follow the right maintenance schedule, and avoid simple mistakes that can result in expensive repairs down the road.

Verdict

By avoiding these five mistakes, you not only extend your car’s lifespan but also ensure a safer, more enjoyable, and cost-effective ownership experience. Take the time to break in your engine properly, avoid illegal mods, buy practical accessories, select the right insurance add-ons, and read your manual. These simple steps will ensure your relationship with your new car remains smooth, secure, and trouble-free.