Luckily, car owners can do plenty of things to lower their repair costs and keep their vehicles running strong.
With that in mind, here are eight tips from professional mechanics to help keep your car on the road.
1. Know Where to Look for Guidance
The internet offers aspiring do-it-yourself (DIY) mechanics a host of resources and instructional videos to teach them the basics of car maintenance. In addition to Mr. Kilmer’s YouTube videos, there are countless similar channels hosted by experts and self-taught car enthusiasts. If you search for a service task such as “change car motor oil,” many videos and articles pop up to offer guidance.
2. The Most Important Thing to Know
Once you have your instructions queued up, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. “Lefty loosey, righty tighty,” is the most important thing to know about DIY car maintenance, automotive expert Lauren Fix, also known as The Car Coach, told The Epoch Times. Ms. Fix is the author of three books on car maintenance, a keynote speaker, and a television host who does a lot of the maintenance on her Porsche GT3RS. She’s a big proponent of people working on their own cars.“The trick is to know what you can do, and what you shouldn’t attempt,“ she says. “The good news is the ‘don’t do this’ list is limited largely to safety-related issues such as brakes and electrical systems, leaving a lot of tasks within reach of the typical car owner. A lot of the tasks involve removing a cap, a bolt, or a screw, which is where ‘lefty loosey’ comes in—stripping threads can transform a simple chore into an expensive repair, so slow down and do it right.”
For those just starting to take care of their own vehicle, Ms. Fix offers three car care tasks: replacing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, and topping off fluids.
“Replacing wiper blades is easy and important to do,” she says, since “80 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility.”
3. A Clear View: Wiper Blades
You can buy wiper blades at most auto parts stores and big-box retailers, where assistance makes selecting the right model easy. Wiper blades come with simple instructions that usually include images so the motorist can install them at home. If you’re still unsure how to replace them, some auto parts stores will provide complimentary installation. Watch to see how the tech does it to be able to DIY next time.
4. The Good Kind of Pressure: Tires
Keeping your tires at the proper inflation level is Ms. Fix’s second beginner DIY tip. Tires provide a soft ride and a good grip on the road, making it critical to keep them in good condition. With the information found on the driver’s side door jamb, use a quality air gauge to determine if the tire has too much, too little, or just the right amount of air pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare tire, too.A tire valve tool is good to have to ensure that the valve is tightly in place—a loose valve can result in a slow leak and tire damage from underinflation. Tighten valve cover caps and replace any that may have gone missing.
5. Keep It Lubed: Fluids
Ms. Fix’s third suggestion is to top off fluids, especially oil. Engine manufacturers agree that when using high-tech synthetic motor oils, changes need to be performed at least every 7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Doing so is easy and an excellent way to keep engines running strong. The vehicle needs to be parked in a level spot with the parking brake engaged. If the car is very low to the ground, it must be raised on ramps or a lift in order to access the drain plug, which is under the engine, with the oil filter usually located nearby.After allowing the engine to cool, use a wrench to open the drain plug, and then open the drain fill cap to allow the oil to flow into a drain pan to prevent a mess. Next, use a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
Before attaching the new filter, fill it about halfway with the new motor oil to prevent a dry start, and run a dab of motor oil on its gasket to ensure a secure seal. Next, replace the drain plug. Using the type and amount of oil recommended by the car’s owner’s manual, add it via the oil fill at the top of the engine. Do not overfill! Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Lastly, start the engine and check for leaks at the drain plug.
6. Breathe Easy: Filters
Engine air filters and cabin filters are another easy DIY project; they should be replaced annually or more often in dusty environments. The vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide their location and part numbers for correct replacements.A replacement is a simple matter of pulling out the old one and inserting a new one. Cabin filters are often located behind the glove compartment, trapping dirt and debris before they can enter the interior.
7. See Clearly: Light Bulbs
Over time, the bulbs of headlights, taillights, and running lights can fail, requiring replacement. Use the owner’s manual to obtain the correct part, and wear gloves to unplug the old bulb—in case the glass breaks—and when installing the new bulb, since oils from hands can cause bulbs to fail prematurely.
8. Get Charged Up: Batteries
If an engine-shaped image appears on the car’s dashboard, this is a Check Engine Light (CEL) and indicates that the engine requires immediate attention. Instead of rushing it to the shop, you can purchase an OBD2 (onboard diagnostics reader) that will reveal the code, which can be researched. While some codes may indicate serious internal engine problems, many are minor, such as a loose gas cap. A fairly inexpensive purchase, an OBD2 reader is a good investment since it identifies the problem and lets the owner decide if they want to fix it themselves rather than pay to have it serviced.
If the battery won’t hold a charge, it needs to be replaced. Most batteries have a service life of about five years. Auto parts shops and big box retailers have a wide selection of replacement batteries; use the vehicle’s owner’s manual to select the correct model. Be sure to bring the old one to exchange for core credit against the new one.
Remove the old battery by using a wrench to loosen the bolts on the retaining strap and the bolts securing the cables to the battery’s terminal posts. Remove the black “negative” cable first, and then the red “positive” cable. Carefully lift the battery out, and install the new one by reversing the steps taken to remove the old one.
If the terminals have crusty corrosion, which can reduce the battery’s efficiency, some DIYers pour Coke onto the corrosion, let it “boil off,” and rinse well with water.
As online automotive expert Joyce Ann Guiterrez described to The Epoch Times, “Maintaining your vehicle is essential for its longevity and optimal performance.” Luckily for car owners, a little effort goes a long way in making sure your vehicle stays reliable and efficient for miles to come.
By following these eight tips and incorporating them into your routine, you can not only save on potential repair costs but also have fun doing it. So roll up your sleeves, grab those tools, and take charge of your car’s basic maintenance!
