Start here · 9 lessons
I just got my first car
Get licensed, buy without getting taken, insure it right, check recalls, and handle a dead battery, a flat or a crash. Take these in order. One a day is plenty. Ticking “Done” is saved only on this device.
- Getting a state ID or driver's license
Bring proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of address. Check your state's list before you go.
- Buying a car without getting taken
Get loan pre-approval and written out-the-door prices first, and pay an independent mechanic to inspect any used car.
- APR and interest in plain English
APR is the yearly price of borrowing. Pay a card in full by the due date and purchases usually cost no interest.
- Auto insurance basics
Nearly every state requires liability insurance, but state minimums may not cover a serious crash. Compare quotes with identical coverage.
- Checking for recalls
Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
- The maintenance schedule
Follow the owner's manual schedule for your kind of driving, not the shop's upsell list.
- How to jump-start a car
Red to dead +, red to good +, black to good −, last black to bare metal on the dead car.
- How to change a flat tire
Loosen the lug nuts before jacking, tighten in a star pattern, and keep a compact spare under 50 mph.
- What to do after a crash
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, move out of traffic if it's safe, then swap insurance information and take photos.