Maintain the Vehicle Properly Yourself
Our cars are very dear to us, so it is very important to know how to maintain them properly. Proper car maintenance will keep your car safe and clean. Knowing the right things about car maintenance can help you avoid unnecessary complications, and you’ll know when to take your car to a professional mechanic during major problems. Knowing how to maintain your car has several benefits, not least of which is that it will save you time and money. You won’t have to wait for someone else’s appointment for car maintenance, and the regular costs will be reduced to a fraction. So, it is very important to know the details about car maintenance to take care of the car yourself. You can extend the life of your car and keep yourself safe by maintaining it properly.
Maintain Your Vehicle’s Tires
Proper tire maintenance is very important to avoid untoward accidents. Improper tire maintenance can damage the car’s engine and cause more fuel consumption, which will hurt you financially. So, buy good quality tires and regularly check the air pressure of all your tires as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. If your car’s tires have the correct air pressure, your ride will be more comfortable, fuel consumption will be optimal and the tires will last longer.
It is very important to have the car’s wheel alignment checked regularly to avoid any unwanted problems. Car wheel alignment is a complex task, and if you are not very familiar with it, you should definitely leave the job to a professional.
Vehicle tire rotation is very important. By properly rotating your tires, you will ensure safety. The tools and materials you need to properly rotate your tires include
Car jack
Car stands
Lug wrench
Work gloves
Microfiber cloths
To rotate your car tires:
First, check the vehicle owner’s manual to determine the tire type. If the tires are directional, then the two front tires should be placed at the rear, and the two rear tires should be moved to the front. If the tires are non-directional, you can cross them
Next, engage the emergency brake and then loosen the lug nuts. Once all the lug nuts are loosened, lift the vehicle using a jack. Consult the owner’s manual before placing or using a jack or jack stand on your vehicle.
Raise the car enough so that you can remove the tires. Carefully remove the tires, rotate them, and place them in the correct positions. Then, secure the tires by tightening the lug nuts. Ensure that the nuts are properly tightened.
Lower the vehicle using the jack. After lowering, tighten the lug nuts again to make sure they are secure. Repeat the rotation process on the opposite side of the vehicle carefully.
Check your spare tire
A spare tire will save you from big problems if a car tire gets damaged on the way. The spare tire will help you and your car reach the destination safely. A spare tire is one of the least used parts among the important parts of the car, so it should be checked regularly. A spare tire may be needed at any time, so try to keep it in the best condition. A spare tire is relatively smaller than a normal tire, so it is better not to run with it for a long time. Be sure to keep the speed below 50 mph while using the spare tire. The air pressure of the spare tire should be checked regularly so that it is ready for use at any time. Check the spare tire well and make sure it is in good condition. The tire can deteriorate over time and cause a puncture, so make sure your spare tire is safe by taking good care of it. In tough times, the spare tire will help you reach your destination.
Inspect your brakes
The braking system is very important, among the most important parts of the car. Properly inspecting the brakes will keep you and your car safe. Regular brake inspections can protect you from serious danger and help the braking system last a long time. Check the brake pads thoroughly. If the brake pads are worn, replace them. The cost of changing brake pads is very low, and they can be replaced quickly.
Replace the brake discs if their grooves are shallow or inconsistent. If one disc is good and the other is bad, replace both. Discs should always be purchased and changed in pairs to ensure the brake system works properly.
Keep it clean
Apart from keeping the exterior of the car sparkling, it is very important to keep the interior clean. Cleaning both the interior and exterior of the car should not be neglected, as it is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance. If the car is not cleaned properly, its value decreases, so keep it clean inside and out. Driving in dirty conditions can affect health, so in addition to cleaning the exterior, also clean the interior thoroughly.
When cleaning the interior, ensure that the car floor mats do not get dirty, and avoid eating in the car, as food increases the chances of dirt buildup and causes the seat covers to get dirty quickly due to unpleasant odors. Avoiding food can help protect the car from odors and dirt. Using seat covers makes car seats last longer and look new. Also, use air fresheners to keep odors at bay. Clean the cup holders, door panels, and dashboard thoroughly to keep the car’s interior looking new. Car batteries also collect dirt that can damage your car. Clean your car battery thoroughly with water and baking soda, but take care not to let the mixture get on other parts of the car.
Inspect your vehicle battery
Check the battery of the car, and notice if the battery case is in good condition. It only takes a few minutes to inspect the car battery, but knowing that your battery is working well is invaluable. Notice if the battery terminals are corroded. Many people think that the battery fails in cold weather, but cold weather can cause more damage than people realize.
Always keep in mind that the battery terminals should be clean and dry. If you don’t use your car often, drive for 30 minutes once a week so your battery stays active. When the summer heat is too intense, park the car in the shade to help the battery last longer. The car battery is a very important part. The car receives power from the battery to operate all the lights, starting with the ignition.
Check your vehicle battery performance regularly:
- Voltmeter test
- Power probe test
- Cranking test
Check your engine oil
It is very important to change the car engine oil at the right time. Changing the engine oil at the right time keeps the engine running well and smoothly. Changing the engine oil is essential for a smooth driving experience. The engine oil level should be checked regularly every week, and always check the engine oil before long trips. Before checking the engine oil, stop the vehicle for at least 10 minutes and then check the oil level. The vehicle manufacturer’s manual provides proper advice on engine oil testing. Check the dipstick to see if your engine oil level is correct. Your engine oil level should be somewhere between the two marks on the dipstick. If it is between the two marks, the oil is at the optimum level. If it is below the line, then refill. For the benefit of your car’s engine, using the engine oil recommended by the car manufacturer’s manual will prevent major engine damage. There are many engine oils on the market, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to select the right oil
Check your cabin air filter.
The air filter keeps the car’s AC system clean and prevents dust particles and pollutants from entering the car through the cabin air. The air filter cleans the air you breathe inside the car. Air filters are usually changed between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Changing the air filter is a very simple task, and you can do it in a very short time by referring to the car manufacturer’s manual.
Do-it-yourself car maintenance is an important endeavor that will save you money, increase your efficiency, and provide peace of mind. Over time, car maintenance will become a pleasure for you. Take on the challenge of car maintenance, arm yourself with the necessary information and tools, and enjoy the valuable insights you’ll gain
