DIY Car Maintenance

There are some tasks you can carry out on your own, to ensure that your vehicle is well maintained. These tasks when carried out regularly will prolong your vehicle’s lifespan. If ever your car breaks down, and you have no idea what the problem is, it would be best to get a mechanic to help you out, as attempting to fix the problem yourself may worsen it. Today, we are going to look at some do-it-yourself car maintenance tasks you can perform for a smooth running vehicle like:

Air Filter

The air filter makes sure that the air drawn into the engine is dirt free, over time it accumulates dust and other particles, slowly becoming inefficient. The result is usually seen through irregular fuel consumption by the engine. Remove the air filter and inspect for any signs of clogging or debris. You could also try using a blower to unclog your filter.  Hold it up to sunlight or a fluorescent light to see light passing through. If you can’t see light passing through its time to have the filter replaced by a new one.  

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is important, for this you will need to have your own personal tire gauge to measure if all your tires are okay. The recommended tire pressure for most passenger cars is 32 psi to 35 psi. Follow these steps to successfully check and correct your tire pressure:

1.  Remove the cap valve on the tire.
2. Align the gauge up to the valve.
3.  Press the gauge onto the valve with firm direct pressure and then release. The measuring stick will start moving to the other side.
4.  Fill the tire with air; recheck with the gauge until the desired pressure is reached.
5.  Replace the valve cap.

Vehicle fluids

Brake Fluid

On most vehicles, the brake fluid tank is clear with labels for maximum and minimum readings indented on the side. A favorable reading should lie between the maximum and minimum levels. Low fluid levels is an indication of a problem and you may need to consult a mechanic to help you out. Your car dashboard can also give you a warning light if the brake fluid is low.

Engine Oil

Most engines have a dipstick to indicate the engine oil level. Make it a habit to have your engine oil checked every time you go for refueling. To check for engine oil, follow these steps:

1.  Turn off the engine.
2.  Remove the dipstick.
3.  Use a rag or paper towel to wipe of the end of the dipstick.
4.  Put the dipstick back in.
5.  Take it out to look at the level at the tip.

Coolant

Check the coolant level in the morning before the car is driven. Be careful not to open the radiator whilst the engine is running as it can shoot up a stream of hot water and burn you. After a drive, its best to let the car engine cool down first before you open the radiator cap. If you discover that the coolant level is low then replenish with a mixture of coolant and distilled water in the ratio 50:50.

Battery Fluid and Terminals

Check the battery terminals are well connected and not lose. Check for corrosion in the terminals. Once in a while, rub the metal connectors with sandpaper to remove any form of corrosive material that may be affecting proper contact. If the battery fluid is low, replenish it with distilled water.

Fuses

Inspect every fuse in the fuse box. Most of them are color coded and provide varying amperage as follows: Pink - 4 Amp, Violet - 3 Amp,  Orange- 5 Amp, Red – 10 Amp, Blue- 15 Amp, Yellow- 20 Amp ,Clear -  25 Amp, Green 30 Amp etc. To test fuses, use a testing light. A testing light looks like a screwdriver .Also make sure that you remove one fuse at a time so that you do not get them all mixed up.

Okay, so those are some of the tips for diy car maintenance. Always remember, when in doubt, consult a mechanic to help you get things working again.