DIY Car Maintenance Tips

Jun 29 By James Mitchell

Taking care of your car regularly is essential for its safe operation. While you should rely on professionals for problems that may arise with your vehicle, you can also handle some maintenance tasks yourself at home. By carrying out these inspections you'll be able to identify issues early before they escalate into expensive repairs and maintain your car in excellent shape. Nevertheless, it's crucial to know when to entrust tasks to a mechanic. In this article we will discuss do it yourself upkeep chores you can tackle and point out the tasks that are better handled by experts.

Check and Top Up Fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car, and keeping them at the right levels is essential for smooth operation. Here’s how to check and top up the most important fluids:

Engine Oil

• How to Check: Pop the hood and locate the dipstick, typically marked with a bright handle. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a rag, re-insert it, and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” markers on the dipstick.

• How to Top Up: If the oil is low, add the correct type of oil (consult your owner’s manual for specifications) a little at a time. Check the dipstick regularly while adding to avoid over-filling.

Coolant (Antifreeze)

• How to Check: Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic container near the radiator) and check the levels against the markers on the side. Only check coolant when the engine is cool.

• How to Top Up: If needed, add a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze to the reservoir, being careful not to exceed the “max” line.

Brake Fluid

• How to Check: The brake fluid reservoir is located near the back of the engine bay. Check the fluid level against the “min” and “max” lines. If it’s below “min,” it may indicate a leak or brake wear.

• How to Top Up: Use only the type of brake fluid specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Top up if necessary, but if fluid is consistently low, it’s time to visit a mechanic.

Windshield Washer Fluid

How to Check: Look for the washer fluid reservoir under the hood (it’s usually labeled). If low, it’s safe and simple to top it off with washer fluid.

Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Properly inflated tires are important for fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. Keeping an eye on tire pressure and tread depth is a quick and easy way to extend tire life and ensure good performance.

How to Check Tire Pressure

• Use a tire pressure gauge: Most gas stations have air pumps with pressure gauges, or you can buy one for home use. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (before driving), and compare the reading to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door).

• How to Inflate: If the pressure is low, inflate the tires to the correct pressure using an air pump.

Check Tread Depth

• How to Check: Measure the tread depth, which should be at least 2/32 of inch deep for safe driving.

• The penny test: Place a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

Other Maintenance Tips

Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades

Worn out wiper blades can affect your visibility in rainy or snowy conditions, making it important to replace them regularly. Here’s how to check and replace them:

• How to Check: Examine the wiper blades for cracks, tears, or stiffness. If they leave streaks or make noise during operation, they need replacement.

• How to Replace: Buy the correct size blades for your vehicle. Most blades are easy to swap out using the hook or pin connectors. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and it should only take a few minutes.

Clean and Maintain Your Battery

Your car battery provides the power to start your engine and run electrical components. Here’s how to maintain the battery:

• Check for Corrosion: Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion (a white, powdery substance). Corrosion can affect the battery’s performance.

• Clean the Terminals: Disconnect the battery (negative terminal first), then clean the terminals using a solution of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water and dry with a cloth before reconnecting (positive terminal first).

Regular Car Washing and Waxing

Cleaning your car isn’t just about aesthetics - it helps protect the exterior from dirt, grime, and environmental factors that can cause damage over time.

• Washing: Regularly wash your car to remove dirt, bird droppings, and other contaminants that can harm the paint. Use a car-specific soap, not household cleaners, which can strip the wax.

• Waxing: Wax your car every few months to protect the paint and give it a shiny finish. Waxing adds a protective layer against UV rays, moisture, and pollutants.

Inspect and Replace Air Filters

Your car’s air filter prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine. A clean air filter improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.

• How to Check: Locate the air filter (usually housed in a black plastic box in the engine bay). If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement.

• How to Replace: Air filters are typically easy to swap out. Simply remove the old filter and place a new one in its place, ensuring it’s seated correctly.

Jobs Best Left for Mechanics

While DIY maintenance can save you money and extend the life of your vehicle, some tasks are too complex or risky for the average car owner. Here are a few jobs that are best handled by professionals:

• Brake System Repairs: While you can top up brake fluid, issues with brake pads, rotors, or the braking system should be addressed by a mechanic. Brakes are critical to your safety, and mistakes can be costly and dangerous.

• Transmission Fluid Change: Changing transmission fluid requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Incorrectly performing this task can damage the transmission, leading to expensive repairs.

• Suspension Work: Suspension systems are complex and require special tools to repair or replace components like shocks, struts, and control arms. A mechanic is best suited to handle these jobs.

• Engine Diagnostics and Major Repairs: If your car’s check engine light comes on or if you notice strange noises, reduced power, or other significant issues, a mechanic should diagnose and repair the problem. Modern engines are complicated, and DIY repairs can lead to more harm than good.

• Air Conditioning Repairs: If your AC isn’t working properly, recharging the system or fixing leaks often requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Conclusion

Engaging in DIY car care is a method to maintain the smooth operation of your vehicle in between visits, to the professionals for servicing needs. Make it a habit to frequently inspect fluid levels and tire pressure as other crucial parts to prolong the lifespan of your car and avoid expensive repairs. Remember to entrust tasks, eg. those related to brakes and the engine or electrical systems, to a reliable mechanic. Taking care of your vehicle not only helps you save money but also guarantees a safer and more pleasant driving experience overall.