Although the proper maintenance of an automobile is a necessity for both the vehicle’s longevity and the driver’s safety, it can be costly. However, many people save money by performing their own vehicular upkeep. As a matter of fact, certain necessary tasks are actually quite simple to learn.
Because motor oil degrades over time, it should be changed every 3,000 miles to guarantee a long engine life. To change the oil, first briefly run the engine to warm and de-coagulate the oil. Next, place a catch pan below the sump and loosen the sump nut and washer, making sure that it does not fall into the hole of the catch pan. Also, be aware that the oil coming out of the engine will be very hot.
As soon as the engine is empty of oil, replace the sump nut and washer, then pour the fresh oil into the engine slowly until the level reaches the uppermost level of the dipstick. It is necessary to pause from time to time, as the oil level can take five to ten minutes to settle.
It is highly recommended that the spark plugs be checked in the event of an oil change, as they offer good indication as to how well the engine is running. Typically, spark plugs should have a sooty, dark-gray appearance. Light-gray spark plugs indicate that the engine is running dry, and black implies that the engine is running rich, or worse yet, could be leaking oil.
When installing new spark plugs, be careful as you screw them to the engine head. If they are fitted too loosely, they can pop out, causing a sudden loss of power to the engine. Try not to fit them too tightly and avoid cross-threading. Damage may occur as the thread at the end of a spark plug is harder than the thread on the engine head.
Tire pressure should be checked weekly. Make sure that each tire (including the spare) is inflated to the pressure recommended in the corresponding owner’s manual by using a tire pressure gauge. Low pressure is usually a sure sign that the tire is leaking air. To check for a puncture, apply soapy water to the outside of the tire. Bubbling along the sidewall or tread or at the valve will point to the puncture’s location. Tire sealant will easily remedy the problem, but tires with excessive wear should be discarded to avoid blow-outs, which can result in wheel damage or accidents.
The battery should be inspected at least every two months. Start by making sure the terminals are clean, as this will ensure the flow of current to the starter. Remove any dirt from the terminals with a wire brush, then rinse them with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly to prevent further accumulation of dirt.
Next, check the battery’s fluid level. Most car batteries contain six cells that need occasional refilling.Remove the battery’s vent caps and add water to the battery cells, bringing the level to just below the bottom of the cell inspection hole. It is best to use distilled water, as it contains no contaminants that will permanently damage your car’s battery. Flush any spilled acid water mixture with fresh water, then replace the vent caps.
Keeping a car at top-notch functionality requires a great deal of work. Nonetheless, learning to perform these basic tasks will appreciably reduce the overall financial expense of maintenance. Sometime this can be time consuming when you dont have free time, so bringing it to a auotmotive shop could save you a lot of time.