Regular car maintenance is essential to keeping your car running smoothly and preventing expensive repairs. A well-maintained car also allows you to save on fuel costs since it uses less fuel to get from point A to point B.
Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. You can perform several maintenance tasks at home with just a few tools and supplies. By taking care of your car regularly, you can extend its life and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Here are a few tips for maintaining your vehicle at home.
Checking and Changing Your Oil
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your car is regularly checking and changing your oil. In the past, car owners had to change the oil in their vehicles every three months or 3,000 miles. But newer models require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles depending on the brand or model. The owner’s manual can show you when to change the oil in your car.
You can check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean with a cloth. Then, insert the dipstick back in and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the “full” and “low” marks on the dipstick. You’ll need to add oil if it’s below the “low” mark. You can buy motor oil at any auto parts store or gas station.
A durable four-post car lift in the garage can make the task easier. The lift makes it unnecessary for you to crawl under the car when draining the oil. The lift allows you to perform other maintenance work on your cars at home.
Cleaning Your Battery Terminals
The importance of cleaning your battery terminals is twofold. First, it ensures that your car’s battery has a clean, corrosion-free connection to the rest of the vehicle. Second, it helps ensure that your car’s electrical system works as efficiently as possible.
The battery terminals can become corroded if they are not kept clean, leading to several problems with your car’s electrical system. For example, corrosion can cause poor connections between the battery and the rest of the car, resulting in decreased power and performance. Additionally, corrosion can create a dangerous situation if any of the acids from the battery leaks out. So it is crucial to keep your battery terminals clean to avoid these issues.
One easy way to clean your battery terminals is to use baking soda and water paste. Mix some baking soda and water until you have a paste, and then apply it to the terminals using a brush or cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it with water. You can also buy a commercial battery terminal cleaner or use a wire brush to clean them off.
No matter how you choose to clean them, keeping your battery terminals clean is vital so that your car’s electrical system works properly.
Inflating Your Tires
Maintaining your tires at the correct pressure is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly. Low tire pressure can cause several problems, including decreased fuel economy, poor handling, and increased wear on the tires.
To check your tire pressure, use a tire gauge to measure the inflation level of each tire. The recommended pressure for your tires is printed on the tire’s sidewall. If you need to add air, use a tire pump to inflate the tires to the correct pressure.
In addition to checking your tire pressure regularly, you should inspect your tires for other signs of wear and damage. Look for cracked or split sidewalls, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. It is crucial to have the tires replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage if you notice any issues.
Change the Air Filter
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your car is to change the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to run less efficiently. It can also lead to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions. You should change the air filter every 15,000 miles to 45,000 miles depending on the car brand and driving conditions.
There are several benefits to changing your car’s air filter regularly. Not only does it help keep your engine running smoothly, but it can also improve gas mileage by up to 10 percent. Additionally, a clean air filter reduces harmful emissions, which helps protect the environment. Regularly changing the air filter is essential to maintain your car and keep it in good working condition. A clean air filter can enjoy better gas mileage, fewer emissions, and a smoother-running engine. So take the time to change your air filter regularly and keep your car in great shape!
These are just a few simple tips for maintaining your car at home. By following the tips in the article, you can help extend the life of your car while avoiding costly repairs down the road.