We often take great pride in our cars, which we purchase with our hard-earned money. Many of us truly cherish these four-wheeled machines.
However, owning a car isn’t as simple as it seems. It comes with significant responsibilities. Whether you’re local or from abroad, there are important factors to consider before deciding to own a car.
In this brief post, I will share some insights on what car owners should do to be responsible.
I’ll divide this discussion into two parts: financial responsibilities and car safety.
Financial Responsibilities
We often take immense pride in our cars, bought with our hard-earned money. Many of us genuinely cherish these four-wheeled machines.
However, owning a car isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It comes with significant responsibilities. Whether you’re local or from abroad, there are important considerations before deciding to own a car.
In this brief post, I will share some insights on what car owners should do to be responsible.
I’ll divide this discussion into two parts: financial responsibilities and car safety.
Car Loan
To avoid future inconvenience, it’s essential to carefully consider if you can truly afford the monthly car mortgage payments.
When you agree to terms with a bank, you commit to paying monthly dues (including taxes and interest) until the contract is fulfilled, typically over 3 to 5 years.
The monthly payments usually have higher interest rates compared to other types of loans offered by banks or dealers. So, what happens if you miss a payment or decide you don’t want to continue paying?
According to the chattel mortgage contract, your car serves as collateral for the loan. If you fail to make your payments, the lender can repossess your car. This means all the money you have paid will be lost without any return.
To prevent this from happening, ensure you do whatever it takes to keep up with your payments until the contract is fully paid off.
Car Insurance
Many people, especially those with older cars, often skip getting insurance due to the additional expense. However, this choice can lead to regret later.
Car insurance comes in various forms: liability, collision, and comprehensive.
- Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others or their property.
- Collision insurance handles damages from accidents involving your vehicle.
- Comprehensive insurance protects against theft, vandalism, fire, floods, and other non-collision events.
Forgoing insurance can be a costly mistake. Numerous insurance providers, including many online options, offer affordable packages. Securing insurance for your car shows you are a responsible car owner.
Car Registration
In Manila, every vehicle must be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This requirement is common in many countries, where government agencies mandate vehicle registration for tax, safety, and identification purposes.
Owning a car is considered a privilege, not a right, granted by the government. Therefore, regular vehicle registration is a necessary obligation.
In Manila, registration fees vary based on factors such as the vehicle’s model year, reliability, and emission status. However, the cost of registration is generally manageable. If you can afford to purchase a car, you can certainly cover the associated government registration fees.
Car Parking Space
In many countries, such as Japan and Australia, purchasing a car typically requires having a designated parking space. However, in Manila, it’s common for car owners to park their vehicles on the streets due to the high cost of securing a parking spot compared to buying a car.
Despite this, Manila does enforce laws against illegal parking. Local authorities actively combat unauthorized parking, issuing fines and even towing vehicles that are parked illegally.
Nevertheless, street parking remains prevalent. To be a responsible car owner, it’s advisable to secure a parking garage or space before acquiring a vehicle. Some businesses in Manila offer car storage solutions, providing one alternative for car owners in need of a dedicated parking spot.
Car Safety and Reliability
Believe it or not, many car owners aren’t familiar with proper maintenance techniques to keep their vehicles in excellent condition.
Indeed, ensuring car safety and reliability starts with us, the car owners. We all need to understand how to maintain our cars to ensure they are safe for both ourselves and other drivers.
So, what steps can we take to make our cars safer and more dependable?
Obey Traffic Laws
It’s no surprise that traffic rules exist to ensure the safety of all road users. A single driver who ignores these laws can put everyone around them at risk. Thus, adhering to traffic regulations is a crucial responsibility.
If your city has speed limits, it’s important to follow them not just because it’s the law, but to ensure a safe driving experience for everyone on the road.
Conversely, ignoring traffic rules heightens the risk of accidents and legal trouble, which could ultimately lead to the loss of your driver’s license.
So, be a responsible driver and avoid becoming an outlaw!
Car Maintenance
One of the most evident ways to be a responsible car owner is to keep up with regular maintenance.
Here are some key aspects of your vehicle that should be regularly inspected:
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- Tire wear, pressure and expiration
- Brake system maintenance
- Suspension
- Cooling system
- Engine oil replacement
- Lighting and electrical system
Your tires and brakes are crucial to your car’s overall safety. A tire blowout or brake failure while driving can lead to serious accidents. Therefore, it’s essential to have your tires and brakes checked regularly to avoid potential hazards and ensure safe driving.
Your vehicle’s suspension is vital for both reliability and safety. Ensure that your front and rear shocks, as well as your springs (whether leaf, coil, etc.), are in good condition. Additionally, inspect your car’s rubber bushings, ball joints, and propeller shafts to ensure they are properly lubricated.
Regularly changing your engine oil is essential to maintain engine health. Failure to replace it on schedule can shorten your engine’s lifespan, lead to black smoke emissions, reduced power, and other issues.
Your electrical system should also be checked, especially if you’ve added accessories like speaker systems or aftermarket stereo units. To prevent electrical issues or fire hazards, have these modifications installed by a professional.
Don’t overlook the importance of keeping your car clean. Ensure that your windshield, side mirrors, and rear glass are streak-free and completely clear for optimal visibility while driving.
Lastly, check your airbag system and seatbelts regularly, as they are crucial for your safety in the event of an accident. If the airbag warning light appears on your dashboard, address it promptly to ensure your safety systems are functioning properly.
Did I miss anything on this topic? Feel free to share additional tips for car owners in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Owning a vehicle is a significant responsibility. While it can bring prestige and serve as a valuable asset, it can also become a burden if we don’t manage it responsibly.
Check out my video on this topic in Tagalog. Don’t worry, I’ve included English subtitles so you can still enjoy and understand the content!
