Top DIY Car Maintenance Tips
A car is an asset that warrants its owners an investment. Some people even save money in their entire life just to buy their first car. Given that you own a car, you must be very lucky and privileged; what remains is how to ensure that you stick to routine car maintenance practices. A well-cared-for car can give its owner superior mileage, and it also eradicates any emergency breakdowns due to neglected maintenance. How then can one best care for their car?
Always Check the Oil
The car’s engine is perhaps its life. To ensure it performs well, it needs regular oiling. Never let your engine run dry. As per the engine’s oiling requirements, you need to stick to them in order to increase your car life and service. Engine oil helps keep all engine parts lubricated, and it also disperses any generated heat.
Timing Belt Replacements
The car engine often has a timing chain or a composite rubber timing belt. These devices both connect the camshaft to the crankshaft, which happens to be synced to the closing and opening of the engine valves. Most cars have a timing belt, and it would be wise to read through the owner’s manual available in order to know when it should be replaced. Rubber timing belts often break, and should this happen, your engine may break down.
Check the Car’s Power Steering Liquid
The power steering liquid lubricates the hydraulic power steering pump, which is quite common with some older car models and few new ones. If this liquid runs dry, the hydraulic power steering pump can fail, and it may cost you hundreds of dollars for its replacement. If you hear some disturbing squealing noises, check the liquid in the hydraulic pump, as this is a major sign that it needs to be refilled.
Replace the Transmission Fluid
Proper amounts of car fluid are critical for lubricating the moving parts, cooling the transmission, and smoothing the shifts in between gears. The downside is that this fluid tends to deteriorate over time. There are some instances that accelerate this fluid deterioration. Do follow your car manual to know how the fluid replacement is done.
Check the Air Filter
A handful of car problems arise due to loose fittings and congested air filters. The air filters play a critical role in dirt and air particles from entering the car’s engine. It’s during combustion that the car’s engine needs air, and the condition of the air filter may affect its performance. Make sure you get your air filters changed after driving 12,000 miles or every six months.…