Owning a car means getting to where you need or want to be whenever you want. It means no longer worrying about topping up your Leap Card or waiting for the bus to arrive at your stop. It also means not paying for taxi fairs, a significant plus. But while owning a car has a ton of positives, some essential responsibilities come with it too. At the same time, you should take your vehicle to the mechanic for regular check-ups and repairs, especially if the dreaded check engine light is on. It is essential to know a few tasks you can do yourself regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Here is a beginner’s guide to simple car maintenance tasks.
Stay Smooth On The Road
Tires are a crucial part of caring for your car; they keep you on the road. You should check your tire pressure monthly to ensure it reads at the recommended pressure. If they aren’t, it is time to air them up. You will also need to inspect the tire tread for signs of wear and tear and replace them if worn down. Trust us; you do not want to get caught in the rain or snow without good tire tread.
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It is essential to know a few tasks you can do yourself regularly to keep your car running smoothly.
Keep Your Engine Healthy
If your engine had lifeblood, it would be the oil. Check your car’s oil every couple of weeks or if you have taken a long trip. Not sure how to do that? No worries, here are a few simple steps to check:
- Locate the oil dipstick. This is usually located near the front of the engine, near the radiator. Check your owner’s manual if you need help finding its location. More modern cars may not have a dipstick. Instead, they have an electronic oil monitor.
- Pull the dipstick out. Wipe the end of the dipstick clean with a rag. You will notice two marks on the stick, showing you the minimum and maximum oil levels. Then re-insert it into the engine.
- Pull the dipstick back out and see where the oil line is. If the line is between the two marks, you don’t need to do anything; if it is below the minimum mark, you must add oil.
- If you need to add more oil, make sure it is correct for your car.
While checking your oil, check your car’s other fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Your owner’s manual should tell you where these are all located.
Keep Your Air Clean
Replacing your air filter every 19,000 KM or as your owner’s manual recommends can help your car’s performance and fuel efficiency. If any of the following is happening to your vehicle, then it could be time for an air filter change, be sure to check with a mechanic to make sure.
- Poor Acceleration
- Different And Strange Noises
- Check Engine Light
- Poor gas mileage
- Tailpipe smoke
Battery Check
Take a look under your hood and inspect your car’s battery for signs of corrosion, cracks, or leaks. Be sure to check if the battery terminals are also clean and tight.
Being Able To See While You Are Driving
Driving with a dirty windshield is nearly impossible. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, replace your windshield wiper blades every six months or as your owner’s manual recommends.
Brake Check
Being able to stop your car is just as important as being able to make it go. Listen for any unusual sounds when you apply your brakes, and if you notice any issues, have them inspected by a professional.
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