Things 2nd-hand car owners must check before 2025

We’re about to wrap up 2024, and most of us are ready to face the year ahead. On that note, we have compiled some important things second-hand car owners must check before they start 2025.

In no particular order, here are our recommendations for the things used car owners must check to help them get ready for the new year.

OR/CR expiration

Amid the busy Christmas and New Year’s rush, second-hand car owners might forget when their vehicle’s registration will expire. To ensure that they will not get penalized due to late filing, we strongly suggest checking the original receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR) to identify what month the renewal date falls.

Once the expiration month has been pinpointed, it is best to add it to your calendar (and set a reminder) or write it in your journal.

We discourage car owners from procrastinating and recommend that you settle the registration in the first or second week of the expiration month. Land Transportation Office outlets can be jam packed, so processing the OC/CR early will save you from headaches.

And while you are at it…

Driver’s license

It’s not easy to forget when your driver’s license expires. After all, it’s on your birthday.

So, we recommend making sure that you renew your driving permit before the expiration date falls.

A person caught driving without a license will be penalized and fined.

BLOWBAGETS

Like a proper car owner, it is only correct to check your vehicle and yourself before you hit the road. And the acronym BLOWBAGETS has got you all covered.

It stands for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and self.

While checking the aforementioned helps owners better prepare for travels, doing this before one starts the year gives them a bird’s eye view of the condition of their vehicle and what components need to be replaced or refilled.

For instance, corrosion on the battery posts, terminals, or cables could mean that it needs to be checked or replaced. Meanwhile, checking the lights can make one realize that some bulbs need changing or that their headlamp or taillight housing needs some buffing.

Low oil levels might not exactly reflect on the instrument panel of old cars, so checking them will let an owner know that some fluids need refilling. The tires too, might reveal damages as well as wear and tear upon close inspection.

With that said, we suggest you take note of car parts and components that require your attention and jot it down. With these written on your notes, you can properly plan what components to replace or what fluids to refill depending on your budget.

Car insurance

Another important thing second-hand car owners must check is car insurance. Typically, it is cheaper to insure older cars due to their lower market value.

Making sure your car’s insurance is up to date can help save you the hassle when the untoward happens.

And while we’re on the topic of untoward incidents…

Automotive tools

Automotive tools should be a part of a motorists every day carry items. These include sockets (which should match the nuts and bolts your car uses), a jack (for when you get a flat tire), water (when your engine overheats), and some screw drivers just in case you need to tighten some screws.

It is also important to carry an early warning device, which you can use in case you encounter an accident and your car stops in the middle of the road. Further, carrying a flashlight might also help.

You don’t have to literally carry these things around. Because they will only be used should your car breaks down, you only need to keep these tools inside the boot of your car.

Also read:

Top gifts for 2nd-hand vehicles