Knowing how to check, and change, your car's fluids, clean and replace the filters and check hoses and belts has many benefits. The most obvious is that you will save money on labor costs. But besides that, a well-maintained vehicle emits less pollutants, runs smoother and has less chance of leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
To do DIY car maintenance, you do not need to have specialized tools or equipment. More often than not the tools that came with your car are enough for the basic tasks. Unless you have intentions of opening a car repair shop one day, buy tools as you need them, individually if possible. But buy the best that is available or at least a reputable brand. Poor quality tools will round off nuts or screw heads and make a simple job a frustrating, hair-pulling exercise.
Of course, doing DIY car maintenance means that you must have some basic knowledge of what the major car components are, like the radiator, cylinder head and the location of the brake system hydraulic cylinder. It's easy enough to learn about a car's major components on the Internet, but one of the best ways to learn about a car is of course through formal courses. Knowing the location of a car's components will allow you identify where the oil filler cap is, what the radiator cap does and when it's safe to open, and where to add hydraulic fluid for your clutch and/or brake system.
On a weekly basis, you should check your car's tyre pressures. If you travel long distances regularly, you should check the oil level too. Wash your car on a weekly basis too. Except for the tyres, you don't need to use detergents to wash it. With the myriad electronic components on modern engine bays, it's not advisable to subject the engine to a prolonged dousing of water.
Monthly, you should check coolant levels, and the brake fluid, power steering, engine oil and transmission fluid, if your car has a dipstick for that. Top up to the recommended levels with the manufacturer's specified oil or brake fluid. Eye your windshield washer reservoir to see if the level is above the minimum. Plain water is not really the best washer fluid to use because scale may build up over time and clog the system. Also check the inner side of your drive belts for cracks or broken ribs. Shine a light so that you can check for the cracks clearly. Replace any belts that show signs of wear, or have reached the replacement period suggested by the manufacturer.
Although newbie car owners may think that tires are just black donuts that you run into the ground, maintaining tyre pressures and checking for signs of uneven tyre wear will alert you to misalignment or failing suspension components. Often this will spell the difference between long-lasting tyres and tyres that you need to replace within half their rated life.
The car's manufacturer will have recommended intervals for servicing your car. Oftentimes, the manual will contain this information. Sometimes, the manufacturer will provide a supplementary service manual. You should follow the schedule as closely as possible. If you go through the list, you will see that a lot of the service items on the list are DIY car maintenance items that can be performed in your garage.
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Feb 6, 2012
What to Check and When-DIY Car Maintenance
Everyone who owns a car should have a car maintenance routine. Keeping your car in good condition and doing a few regular routine tasks can help prolong the life of you car, reduce wear and tear and help you to avoid costly breakdowns. Many tasks like changing the oil are relatively simple, but do require some equipment and a little bit of time. If you aren't technically minded or just hate doing these sort of things then once a year you should take your car in to a mechanic to get a yearly service - they can change the oil and oil filter and spark plugs and readjust the timing belt and a few other bits and bobs. However, that isn't to say you can just ignore your car for the rest of the year.
I like to break down the tasks I do into weekly, quarterly, half yearly and yearly. I have a little schedule printed out and put up on my refrigerator and I just mark off as I go along. It helps because I don't have to think too much about when I last checked the spark plugs (for example) if I have it written down. Following a maintenance schedule needn't take a lot of time - I usually do it first thing on a Sunday morning and it takes no more than about 10 minutes.
Weekly
My weekly car check up usually includes a quick visual inspection of the tires to make sure they all look ok - no bulges or sudden loss of air that could indicate a problem with tire inners. I also make sure none of the body work has come loose and there are no chips in the windscreen. Then I'll check the lights all work - front, rear, fog lights, indicators, break and reverse lights. Sometimes it helps to have someone run through the various car lights switching them on and off for you so you can walk around the car and inspect them, but if you don't, parking your car close to a wall on another car can give you a handy reflective surface that you can use to check your lights.
Quarterly
I check and top up my oil and make sure that there is enough fluid in the radiator and enough battery acid in the battery. Also check the brake fluid level and power steering fluid. Remember to do these checks when the engine is cold so you don't burn yourself...and never open your radiator top up cap with a warm engine - there is a huge build up of pressure when the radiator fluid is running around the system and it can be fairly dangerous. Also check that the windscreen wiper fluid is topped up and that the wipers are well attached and the wiper fluid pumps are working. Then I'll check my tire pressure with a pressure guage - you don't need to go to a service station for this, just buy yourself a small tire pressure guage - they aren't expensive - and keep it in the glove compartment.
Half Yearly
This is a good time to physically check the tire tread depth with a tread depth guage. Check your tread wear - if it is not even then you may have a wheel alignment problem. A quick look at the breaks to make sure there is enough on the break pads, and give your spark plugs a glance to make sure they are still in reasonable condition. Change your windscreen wiper blades. Push down on each corner of the car and check that it bounces up nicely again - this is a very basic check on the condition of your suspension.
Yearly
As above, but also check the timing belt and give the battery terminals a clean if they need it. Remember, if you disconnect your battery, you might have to re-enter your radio code to unlock it, so it's a good idea to know it before hand. A yearly service at a local mechanic should do all of the above for you and should change your oil and oil filter and replace your spark plugs, top up your battery fluid and wiper fluid as well as check your handbrake and hanbrake cable. Check with them beforehand what is and isn't included and get a quote upfront.
If you find any problems, then you can correct them yourself if you feel competent enough - obviously topping up oil and fluid levels is fairly straight forward, but you could consider doing oil changes and replacing break pads yourself as long as you have right sort of tools - a good jack and some stilts to keep your car on while working on it are essential. Changing the spark plugs is also fairly straight forward with the correct spanner. a good tip is to put some bricks in front of and behind any wheels that remain on the ground to help stop the car rolling anywhere if all other safety devices fail.
Remember that oil changes should be done roughly every 5000 miles or six months.
If you find any problems in your regular car checks and you can't fix them yourself then take them to your mechanic and get them sorted out quickly before they become more serious. Sorting out the small problems that crop up can stop them becoming larger more expensive problems, saving lots of money. Also, keeping your car in tip top running order will increase your fuel efficiency, saving you even more. Keep your car in good condition and it will reward you with many years of trouble free driving!
I like to break down the tasks I do into weekly, quarterly, half yearly and yearly. I have a little schedule printed out and put up on my refrigerator and I just mark off as I go along. It helps because I don't have to think too much about when I last checked the spark plugs (for example) if I have it written down. Following a maintenance schedule needn't take a lot of time - I usually do it first thing on a Sunday morning and it takes no more than about 10 minutes.
Weekly
My weekly car check up usually includes a quick visual inspection of the tires to make sure they all look ok - no bulges or sudden loss of air that could indicate a problem with tire inners. I also make sure none of the body work has come loose and there are no chips in the windscreen. Then I'll check the lights all work - front, rear, fog lights, indicators, break and reverse lights. Sometimes it helps to have someone run through the various car lights switching them on and off for you so you can walk around the car and inspect them, but if you don't, parking your car close to a wall on another car can give you a handy reflective surface that you can use to check your lights.
Quarterly
I check and top up my oil and make sure that there is enough fluid in the radiator and enough battery acid in the battery. Also check the brake fluid level and power steering fluid. Remember to do these checks when the engine is cold so you don't burn yourself...and never open your radiator top up cap with a warm engine - there is a huge build up of pressure when the radiator fluid is running around the system and it can be fairly dangerous. Also check that the windscreen wiper fluid is topped up and that the wipers are well attached and the wiper fluid pumps are working. Then I'll check my tire pressure with a pressure guage - you don't need to go to a service station for this, just buy yourself a small tire pressure guage - they aren't expensive - and keep it in the glove compartment.
Half Yearly
This is a good time to physically check the tire tread depth with a tread depth guage. Check your tread wear - if it is not even then you may have a wheel alignment problem. A quick look at the breaks to make sure there is enough on the break pads, and give your spark plugs a glance to make sure they are still in reasonable condition. Change your windscreen wiper blades. Push down on each corner of the car and check that it bounces up nicely again - this is a very basic check on the condition of your suspension.
Yearly
As above, but also check the timing belt and give the battery terminals a clean if they need it. Remember, if you disconnect your battery, you might have to re-enter your radio code to unlock it, so it's a good idea to know it before hand. A yearly service at a local mechanic should do all of the above for you and should change your oil and oil filter and replace your spark plugs, top up your battery fluid and wiper fluid as well as check your handbrake and hanbrake cable. Check with them beforehand what is and isn't included and get a quote upfront.
If you find any problems, then you can correct them yourself if you feel competent enough - obviously topping up oil and fluid levels is fairly straight forward, but you could consider doing oil changes and replacing break pads yourself as long as you have right sort of tools - a good jack and some stilts to keep your car on while working on it are essential. Changing the spark plugs is also fairly straight forward with the correct spanner. a good tip is to put some bricks in front of and behind any wheels that remain on the ground to help stop the car rolling anywhere if all other safety devices fail.
Remember that oil changes should be done roughly every 5000 miles or six months.
If you find any problems in your regular car checks and you can't fix them yourself then take them to your mechanic and get them sorted out quickly before they become more serious. Sorting out the small problems that crop up can stop them becoming larger more expensive problems, saving lots of money. Also, keeping your car in tip top running order will increase your fuel efficiency, saving you even more. Keep your car in good condition and it will reward you with many years of trouble free driving!
Basic DIY Guide for Auto Maintenance
Driving a car brings lots of convenience to the user, and beyond the selection and buying of a car, we also have to take care of the car and maintain it in good condition so that it will continue to serve us well for at least the next 5 to 10 years.
Today, I will be sharing with you the Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance and how you can also do it yourself and save the time and cost spent going to car mechanics!!
BASIC GUIDE TO DIY CAR MAINTENANCE
The first thing to do is to look under the car hood. It looks like a maze, isn't it? Essentially lying underneath that is the fuel system, ignition system, and the cooling system.
We are not going into details on how all these system works. Instead, we will look at how we can perform the simple weekly check on the car and what are the items to look out for when doing so.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE - Items to look out for
1) Fluids
- Engine Oil fluids
- Coolant fluids
- Windshield fluids
- Washer fluids
- Brake fluids
- Power steering fluids
2) Car tire pressure
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1a) - Engine Oil Fluids
TIP: Always check the oil level when the engine has been turned off for an extended period to avoid hot oil from scalding yourself.
Purpose of Engine Oil fluids:
To lubricate the car engine parts and to prevent wear out.
Steps to follow:
1. Wipe the engine oil dipstick clean which is provided by the manufacturer
2. Insert the dipstick into engine, then pull up and check the level. If the top edge of the oil is above the ADD mark, the oil level is acceptable, else you need to add oil immediately. Typically amount required is one quart of oil.
3. To add oil, open the engine oil cap, place a funnel over the opening, and slowly pour the oil into it.
4. Wait for a few minutes and then recheck the oil level to ensure that the oil level is now within the "ADD" and "FULL" marks. Be careful not to add oil beyond the full mark as it will reduce the oil's lubrication qualities and prove less effective.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1b) - Coolant Fluids
Purpose of Coolant Fluids:
Circulates throughout car engine to remove excess heat. Comprises of a mixture of antifreeze fluid and water, which collects the heat and and brings it to the radiator where air flow cools the liquid before returning back to cool the engine.
Steps to follow:
1) Ensure both engine and radiator are cooled down before checking coolant level.
2) Locate the radiator, and the corresponding coolant reserve tank which is holding the top layer of coolant from the radiator. Check and ensure that the coolant level is within the lowest and maximum levels.
3) When the need to top-up arises, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise by 1 quarter turn to release any built-up pressure remaining in the cooling system, before turning all the way to open the cap.
4) Add coolant as required until level is within the min and max marks.
5) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1c) - Windshield Fluids
Purpose of Windshield fluids:
To clean the wind screen as required.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It appears like a white plastic milk jug or jar and hold a small quantity of the windshield fluids.
2) In most cases, you can do a visual inspection of the fluid level, and as long as it is an inch or two below the top, it is considered full, and do not require topping up.
3) If it is too low, simply unscrew the cap and top it up with commercial windshield washer fluid or create your very own diy windshield fluid by adding few drops of dish washing detergent to water.
4) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1d) - Brake Fluids
Purpose of brake fluids:
Supports the hydraulic systems which enable the brake systems to function properly.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the master brake cylinder
2) Clean the top of the reservoir before removing the cover with a wrench
3) Check and ensure that the brake fluid is up to the "FULL" mark. Do not compromise as this is a critical factor in car safety.
4) Top up with the brake fluid through a funnel carefully until the level is about one quarter inch below the top.
Note:
Brake fluids have different grades, so it is advisable to check the owner manuals for specific requirements.
Don't let the brake fluid touch on the car paint, you will be in for a nasty surprise.
5) Replace and tighten the cap when done.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1e) - Power Steering Fluids
Purpose of Power Steering Fluids:
Required for cars enabled with power steering capability, without which it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the power steering reservoir
2) Remove the cap of the reservoir and check the current fluid level.
TIP: Perform the check only when the engine is cool, else the readings will be inaccurate since the fluid expands when hot.
3) Top up the power steering fluid as specified in the car owner manuals, and be careful not to overfill it.
4) Replace and tighten the cap when done.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (2) - Car Tyre Pressure Check
Purpose of Tire Pressure Check:
Regular pressure checks will help to maximize the lifespan of the tires since the wrong pressures can cause over contact with the roads reducing the lifespan, or under contact with the road causing safety issues. Under-inflated tires will also reduce fuel economy resulting in higher costs unknowingly.
Steps to follow:
1) Find out the recommended tire pressures required from the car manuals, measured in psi.
2) For ease of checking, go to any gas station, and insert their tire pressure gauge into your car tire valve stem. Push it until you hear a rush of air, and then release it. Observe the pressure reading immediately on the tire gauge machine.
3) If air pressure is not enough, add air with the air line, and double check pressure when done. If air pressure is too high, release a bit of air with the tire gauge and double check before releasing more air.
4) Replace the valve stem cap when done.
5) Repeat for all tires.
TIP: It is good to also perform a quick check on the tire for any wear and tear and replace early for better car safety.
Conclusion
To summarize, through better understanding on the essential items to look out for during your routine car maintenance, and steps to follow during maintenance, you are now able to keep your car in tiptop performance at all times, and maximize the enjoyment of the car rides for yourself and your family.
Today, I will be sharing with you the Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance and how you can also do it yourself and save the time and cost spent going to car mechanics!!
BASIC GUIDE TO DIY CAR MAINTENANCE
The first thing to do is to look under the car hood. It looks like a maze, isn't it? Essentially lying underneath that is the fuel system, ignition system, and the cooling system.
We are not going into details on how all these system works. Instead, we will look at how we can perform the simple weekly check on the car and what are the items to look out for when doing so.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE - Items to look out for
1) Fluids
- Engine Oil fluids
- Coolant fluids
- Windshield fluids
- Washer fluids
- Brake fluids
- Power steering fluids
2) Car tire pressure
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1a) - Engine Oil Fluids
TIP: Always check the oil level when the engine has been turned off for an extended period to avoid hot oil from scalding yourself.
Purpose of Engine Oil fluids:
To lubricate the car engine parts and to prevent wear out.
Steps to follow:
1. Wipe the engine oil dipstick clean which is provided by the manufacturer
2. Insert the dipstick into engine, then pull up and check the level. If the top edge of the oil is above the ADD mark, the oil level is acceptable, else you need to add oil immediately. Typically amount required is one quart of oil.
3. To add oil, open the engine oil cap, place a funnel over the opening, and slowly pour the oil into it.
4. Wait for a few minutes and then recheck the oil level to ensure that the oil level is now within the "ADD" and "FULL" marks. Be careful not to add oil beyond the full mark as it will reduce the oil's lubrication qualities and prove less effective.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1b) - Coolant Fluids
Purpose of Coolant Fluids:
Circulates throughout car engine to remove excess heat. Comprises of a mixture of antifreeze fluid and water, which collects the heat and and brings it to the radiator where air flow cools the liquid before returning back to cool the engine.
Steps to follow:
1) Ensure both engine and radiator are cooled down before checking coolant level.
2) Locate the radiator, and the corresponding coolant reserve tank which is holding the top layer of coolant from the radiator. Check and ensure that the coolant level is within the lowest and maximum levels.
3) When the need to top-up arises, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise by 1 quarter turn to release any built-up pressure remaining in the cooling system, before turning all the way to open the cap.
4) Add coolant as required until level is within the min and max marks.
5) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1c) - Windshield Fluids
Purpose of Windshield fluids:
To clean the wind screen as required.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It appears like a white plastic milk jug or jar and hold a small quantity of the windshield fluids.
2) In most cases, you can do a visual inspection of the fluid level, and as long as it is an inch or two below the top, it is considered full, and do not require topping up.
3) If it is too low, simply unscrew the cap and top it up with commercial windshield washer fluid or create your very own diy windshield fluid by adding few drops of dish washing detergent to water.
4) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1d) - Brake Fluids
Purpose of brake fluids:
Supports the hydraulic systems which enable the brake systems to function properly.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the master brake cylinder
2) Clean the top of the reservoir before removing the cover with a wrench
3) Check and ensure that the brake fluid is up to the "FULL" mark. Do not compromise as this is a critical factor in car safety.
4) Top up with the brake fluid through a funnel carefully until the level is about one quarter inch below the top.
Note:
Brake fluids have different grades, so it is advisable to check the owner manuals for specific requirements.
Don't let the brake fluid touch on the car paint, you will be in for a nasty surprise.
5) Replace and tighten the cap when done.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1e) - Power Steering Fluids
Purpose of Power Steering Fluids:
Required for cars enabled with power steering capability, without which it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel.
Steps to follow:
1) Locate the power steering reservoir
2) Remove the cap of the reservoir and check the current fluid level.
TIP: Perform the check only when the engine is cool, else the readings will be inaccurate since the fluid expands when hot.
3) Top up the power steering fluid as specified in the car owner manuals, and be careful not to overfill it.
4) Replace and tighten the cap when done.
DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (2) - Car Tyre Pressure Check
Purpose of Tire Pressure Check:
Regular pressure checks will help to maximize the lifespan of the tires since the wrong pressures can cause over contact with the roads reducing the lifespan, or under contact with the road causing safety issues. Under-inflated tires will also reduce fuel economy resulting in higher costs unknowingly.
Steps to follow:
1) Find out the recommended tire pressures required from the car manuals, measured in psi.
2) For ease of checking, go to any gas station, and insert their tire pressure gauge into your car tire valve stem. Push it until you hear a rush of air, and then release it. Observe the pressure reading immediately on the tire gauge machine.
3) If air pressure is not enough, add air with the air line, and double check pressure when done. If air pressure is too high, release a bit of air with the tire gauge and double check before releasing more air.
4) Replace the valve stem cap when done.
5) Repeat for all tires.
TIP: It is good to also perform a quick check on the tire for any wear and tear and replace early for better car safety.
Conclusion
To summarize, through better understanding on the essential items to look out for during your routine car maintenance, and steps to follow during maintenance, you are now able to keep your car in tiptop performance at all times, and maximize the enjoyment of the car rides for yourself and your family.
DIY Auto Maintenance-5 tips
1. Check Engine Oil
Critical to an automobile's lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car's moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.
To check engine oil, Turn off the car's ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don't know where it is take the help of the owner's manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label "engine oil."
Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the "Full" mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the "Full" mark.
Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you'd need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it's OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.
To replace engine oil, choose the product that's already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you're done, replace the dipstick properly.
2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever's position to Park of 'P' position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don't know where it is take the help of the owner's manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.
Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there's still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color. An automobile's lubrication system comprises several types of specific usage oils, thus it's always a good idea to acquaint yourself with the basics of a car's lubrication system. As it should help you in all DIY car maintainance activities.
Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner's manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.
3. Check Engine Coolant
This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.
Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between "LOW" and "FULL" markings, then it's OK. If it's below the "LOW" marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.
4. Check CV Joint Boots
A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint's job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.
To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you'd need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it's broken. If it dry then there's nothing to worry about. If it's broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.
5. Check Tire Pressure
Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).
In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don't postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.
Critical to an automobile's lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car's moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.
To check engine oil, Turn off the car's ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don't know where it is take the help of the owner's manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label "engine oil."
Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the "Full" mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the "Full" mark.
Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you'd need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it's OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.
To replace engine oil, choose the product that's already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you're done, replace the dipstick properly.
2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever's position to Park of 'P' position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don't know where it is take the help of the owner's manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.
Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there's still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color. An automobile's lubrication system comprises several types of specific usage oils, thus it's always a good idea to acquaint yourself with the basics of a car's lubrication system. As it should help you in all DIY car maintainance activities.
Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner's manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.
3. Check Engine Coolant
This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.
Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between "LOW" and "FULL" markings, then it's OK. If it's below the "LOW" marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.
4. Check CV Joint Boots
A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint's job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.
To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you'd need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it's broken. If it dry then there's nothing to worry about. If it's broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.
5. Check Tire Pressure
Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).
In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don't postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.
DIY Auto Repair Tools
Big savings by learning to do their own maintenance and repairs. Some are intimidated by working on a car, but the truth is most maintenance can be simply and easily performed with a relatively basic set of tools and bit of determination. The tools on this list will allow you to perform 90% of tasks associated with do-it-yourself auto maintenance and repair:
Socket set
A decent socket set will save you countless hours of struggle and frustration. You don't have to break the bank, but be sure to get a standard set for your American car and a metric set for your foreign car.
Box wrench set
Box wrenches are the ones with a closed end and an open end. They're incredibly handy for bolts that can't be reached easily with a socket.
Screwdriver set
You'll need screwdrivers to remove all kinds of parts like a fan cowling, mud flap, or door panel. Be sure to get a set with both slotted and Philip's head variations.
Oil filter wrench
This is easy to overlook, but changing your own oil is one of the best ways to save money maintaining your car, and doing it without an oil filter wrench is ridiculously difficult.
Jack and jackstands
When you're under 2 tons of steel changing the oil, having a hydraulic jack to lift it and four solid jack stands holding it securely in place makes all the difference.
Mini crowbar and mini sledge
You'll be surprised how often you need a crowbar to leverage a pulley while you change a belt, or how often that sledge will help you loosen a rusted bolt.
Torque wrench
There are bolts on your car that need to be tightened to a certain level of torque. A torque wrench, which when set properly, literally breaks away at the right torque. Besides, you'll look cool using it.
Socket set
A decent socket set will save you countless hours of struggle and frustration. You don't have to break the bank, but be sure to get a standard set for your American car and a metric set for your foreign car.
Box wrench set
Box wrenches are the ones with a closed end and an open end. They're incredibly handy for bolts that can't be reached easily with a socket.
Screwdriver set
You'll need screwdrivers to remove all kinds of parts like a fan cowling, mud flap, or door panel. Be sure to get a set with both slotted and Philip's head variations.
Oil filter wrench
This is easy to overlook, but changing your own oil is one of the best ways to save money maintaining your car, and doing it without an oil filter wrench is ridiculously difficult.
Jack and jackstands
When you're under 2 tons of steel changing the oil, having a hydraulic jack to lift it and four solid jack stands holding it securely in place makes all the difference.
Mini crowbar and mini sledge
You'll be surprised how often you need a crowbar to leverage a pulley while you change a belt, or how often that sledge will help you loosen a rusted bolt.
Torque wrench
There are bolts on your car that need to be tightened to a certain level of torque. A torque wrench, which when set properly, literally breaks away at the right torque. Besides, you'll look cool using it.
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