furniture

DIY Car Maintenance Tips

A car is probably among your most prized possessions. Therefore failure to maintain it will mean that you will be incurring a huge loss. To guarantee its longevity and efficiency, you have to develop routine maintenance for it. Ignoring some routine maintenance may lead to hefty repair prices or damage of the car completely.  For example, when driving with a damaged brake pad, you will be forced to hit harder on the brakes; this causes tire imbalance or wearing out.  Therefore you will incur an added cost of tire replacement. Additionally, poor maintenance may lead to avoidable accidents which may be harmful to you or your passengers. Below are some maintenance tips that will keep your car always up and running.

Check And Maintain Car Tires

If you find yourself replacing your tire too soon, you need to reevaluate the routine maintenance of these tires and why they cannot serve you for a longer period. Some minor activities, such as maintaining the tire pressure, can go a long way in enhancing its longevity. Maintaining the tire pressure includes being aware of the appropriate pressure that the tires can function on. Moreover, you need to know the PSI and also how to deflate and inflate them.

A flat tire is hazardous to both you and the car. On the flip side, inflating the tire past its maximum limit may affect the balancing of the car. Furthermore, you need to be on the lookout on whether the company is recalling the tires you bought.

Change The Car Oil 

Routine changing of car oil is mandatory to keep its engine in proper condition. Check the oil after every month and follow the car manual when changing it. You can perform the routine service of changing the oil for yourself, or you can look for a professional mechanic to help you out. If you decide to do it yourself, you have to master the required oil level and how to drain the old oil. Additionally, it is also best to change the oil filter as you change the oil. To understand the type of oil your car needs, consider the car’s mileage, the viscosity of the oil, and whether it is synthetic or non-synthetic.

Keep Tabs On The Car FluidsCoolant Reservoir

A car has several fluids that keep it running smoothly.  It would be best to check on them to ensure they are always at the right levels. You or your mechanic should always check on the fluids below.

  • Transmission fluid
  • Coolant
  • Steering fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Engine oil
  • Coolant

The functionality of your car will be affected in case of any leakage. Therefore if you spot any oil or fluid leakage, ensure you address the issue immediately. Identifying the leaking fluid earlier speeds up the repair process.

Renew Your Car Insurance

Most car insurance premiums are paid annually. Therefore as you take your car for checkups, also ensure it has insurance cover. An insurance cover guarantees you that if anything happens to your car, especially during an accident; you will not incur little to no expenses trying to fix it.

Replace Wipers 

Depending on how long your wiper has served you or whether it is broken, you have to replace them. A dysfunctional wiper may affect your visibility, especially when it is raining. Knowing when to replace your wipers or when they are damaged is a way to keep both you and your car safe.

Carry Out Regular Diagnostics And Check Up 

It is okay to have a mechanic run some diagnostic tests on your car frequently. The regular checkups will help you spot a problem at its early stages, and car maintenance will also be done regularly. Additionally, when the engine lights come on, it is best to take it to a mechanic for further diagnostics. Noteworthy, do not ignore any signs that the car gives you.

Keep The Car Clean

Your car collects dirt from everywhere, from dust to ice melts during the winter season. Some of this dirt, if left to accumulate, may affect the paint of the car. Also, the build of dirt over time can clog and prevent water flow through the drainage holes that exist at the car’s undercarriage. As a result, there will be an accumulation of water which leads to rusting of the undercarriage. Wash the car regularly under a pressure pump to help get rid of the accumulated dirt. Additionally, do not use harsh detergent since it May Also Ruin The Car Paint.

Final Thoughts 

We all buy cars with high expectations of longevity and efficiency. However, the expectations may not be met if you fail to take care of the car. Ensuring the car is in a good state is always the owner’s obligation. So before you get behind the wheel to drive off, check to see if everything is okay.