Do-it-yourself car maintenance is integral to the smooth functioning of your vehicle and what matters most is the timely upkeep. Considering the car service requirements and the time it takes, it is only wise to approach professionals to get your car serviced. Moreover, the 5 year warranty that usually comes with the car, it makes sense to get your car serviced through your dealer for those years. But once the warranty has expired, ‘do it yourself car maintenance’ is the best option to make your car run for long. How difficult could it be to maintain your own car, you may ask. The answer to this solely depends on how enthusiastic you are to be involved in every aspect of your car’s maintenance; be it fixing mechanical issues or electrical parts all on your own. Here is a list for those of you to follow who are ready to rise up to the challenge of maintaining their own car.
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Engine Oil
Always switch off your engine and let it cool down before you decide to check the oil level. Locate the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then insert the dipstick inside and pull it back again to check the markings which will tell you the current oil level. Add oil only if it is below the ‘add oil’ mark and never fill it beyond the ‘full’ line. As per experts, the engine oil should be replaced every 3000 miles or after every 3 months; it can be very rewarding in the long run.
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Tyres
It goes without saying how important it is to keep your car tyres in good condition for your own safety and that of others. The best way to do this is to get a tyre gauge, so you can always check the tyre pressure and calibrate it as per the pressure required. It is vital for tyre’s life and fuel efficiency.
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Battery
Batteries are often affected by heat or infrequent running. In order to keep them functioning properly, check the battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. If there is any sign of acid corrosion, use a mixture of baking soda and water to cleanse it thoroughly. If corrosion persists then get it checked by a professional.
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Filters
Make sure to change the oil filters when you change the engine oil. The fuel and air filters have to be replaced depending on different car specifications.
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Brakes
Mostly brake pads should be replaced every 20,000 miles but this may vary depending on the specifics of your car model. If you practice a lot of halt-and-go driving, then brake-pads require more frequent replacement.
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Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers need to be changed every 6,000 -10,000 miles or every year. Over a long time of use windshield wipers lose their flexibility and start leaving streaks on your windshield rather than cleaning it. Use the windshield wiper fluid to keep the wiper blades clean.
These are some important steps to keep in mind when you decide to take charge of your car maintenance. All in all, maintaining your own car requires sincere dedication of your time and energy in fulfilling its various requirements and enhancing car performance in the long run.