While getting your licence is an important achievement, maintaining your car is just as important. Learning to drive is a big step in that direction. Go2pass has compiled a thorough list of the top 10 do-it-yourself car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in top shape, avoid expensive repairs, and guarantee peak performance.
1. Check and Change Your Oil Frequently: Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, providing optimal engine performance and lubricating internal moving parts. Check the oil more often in older cars with more than 75,000 miles on them because aging engines can use more oil or develop leaks. For detailed instructions on how to check and change your oil, refer to your owner’s manual.
2. Examine the battery, seatbelts, and brakes:
Brakes: If something feels off with your brake pedal, such as pulsing, falling too low, or making weird noises, pull over right away so we can take a closer look. Comprehending the constituents of the brake system is imperative for prompt detection and remediation of problems.
Seatbelts: Especially if you’ve recently purchased a used car or been in an accident, make sure you routinely inspect the entire seat belt system for any anomalies. Inspect for tears, abrasions, and fraying, and confirm that all fasteners are tight.
Battery: Checking the battery twice a year is part of a proactive maintenance schedule. A fully charged battery should read approximately 12.6 volts when using a multimeter to measure voltage. The voltage reading should be between 13.7 and 14.7 volts when the engine is running.
3. Examine Your Tires: Look for nails, stones, bulges, or tears in the tread
When a tire’s lifespan reaches 10 years or more, replace it; otherwise, keep an eye on the tread depth. If you notice any irregularities, take quick action to avoid suspension problems with your car.
4. Take Care of Lights and Visibility: Safe driving requires maintaining a clear field of vision. Maintain regular window, mirror, and light cleaning. To remove extra dirt, use a soft brush; then, use a microfiber cloth and car window cleaner. Additionally, use an old toothbrush and whitening toothpaste to clean your lights to make sure they are bright.
5. Maintain a Tidy and Clean Interior: A well-kept interior enhances the driving experience. Mix distilled vinegar, club soda, lime, and dish soap to make a non-toxic cleaning solution for stains on upholstered and carpeted surfaces. Spot treat stains as soon as possible, blotting rather than rubbing.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts: The need for lubrication is indicated by creaky sounds made when turning handles or opening doors. You can take care of hinges, handles, locks, and latches with the right lubricants, but some systems might need to be serviced by professionals. To guarantee quiet and seamless operation, lubricate these parts on a regular basis, every three to four months.
7. Regularly Diagnose CO2 Emissions: Check your car’s fuel consumption and emission rates using online calculators such as those offered by the Vehicle Certification Agency. Passing yearly MOT vehicle inspections depends on emissions staying within allowable bounds.
8. Wax Your Car for a Lasting Shine: Waxing your car adds a protective layer that keeps the elements from affecting the paint job. It does more than just make it look good. Use these pointers for efficient waxing: Before waxing, make sure your car has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. When it’s between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, wax. Use even circular motions to apply wax, then use a microfiber cloth to remove it.
9. Indications That Your Car May Need a Repair: Be mindful of any warning indicators on your dashboard that point to problems with the engine, suspension, electronics, brakes, or other parts. Take quick action to address strange smells and sounds, and look for leaks or strange noises. When relocating your car, keep an eye out for leaks; oil spills may be a sign of damaged connections or engine gasket problems.
10. Extra Concise Advice for Ideal Shape: To quickly and easily remove pet hair from your seats, use a squeegee and a spray bottle. Use alcohol to clean your wipers to lessen streaks.
For a delightful interior scent, mix a drop of your preferred essential oil into your cleaning solution. For convenient access, keep all of your vehicle documentation in a multi-pocket folder.
By adding these do-it-yourself maintenance suggestions to your routine, you can make sure your car stays in top shape, reducing the need for costly repairs and extending its lifespan. You’ll save money by paying regular attention to these details, which will also make driving safer and more pleasurable.
