With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, car dealerships are advertising huge sales in honor of the much anticipated holiday. If this is your first car or you haven’t replaced your old one in a while, you may not be aware of the necessary documents and safety tips. Before going off on a long-distance trip with your new car, there are a couple of things you must do to prepare the vehicle.
READING THE MANUAL:
Unless you have had the same make and model before, you should always at least look over the differences from your previous vehicle. Understanding the safety features, gadgets, and different options will help you take advantage of what your vehicle has to offer while staying safe. Knowing the ins and outs of your vehicle can prove to be very beneficial.
INSURANCE IN MARYLAND:
According to Maryland’s Department of Transportation, Maryland is a mandatory vehicle insurance state. An insurance company within the state of Maryland requires Maryland vehicles to have insurance at all times. Each state has different requirements for what your car insurance should cover, Maryland requires that it covers $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for 2 or more people’s injuries, and $15,000 for property damages.
REGISTRATION:
Maryland requires that all vehicles be registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to drive legally on Maryland roads. If you are buying a new car and your previous car was registered in Maryland, then your dealership will most likely submit the registration for you. Are you moving to Maryland or have not had a vehicle registered in Maryland before? You will have to visit your local MVA branch office to start the registration process. Each scenario is different depending on who or where you got your vehicle. Make sure to check the MVA website HERE.
MAINTENANCE:
It is never a bad idea to go to a trusted mechanic to have them do a full maintenance check on your vehicle, even if it is just off the lot. They should test the oil levels. Tire pressure and tire tread depth will help ensure a safer and prolong the product life of your tires. You should also check out the brakes because they are the most important safety component in a car.
