Keeping your car in top shape isn’t just about vanity. It’s also about safety. By looking after your car, you can improve its performance and decrease the risk of breakdowns, which can be dangerous on the road. Auto repair may seem like a daunting task for those who don’t have much experience working on cars, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. As long as you’re willing to do some research and learn the fundamentals of auto repair, it isn’t impossible for you to tackle these tasks yourself—and save money in the process! Here are some helpful DIY auto repair tips that will get your car back in top shape in no time:
Tips to Keep Your Car Runing
Check the oil and fluids regularly
If you want to keep your car running smoothly for years to come, you’ll need to check the oil in your engine regularly. Your car’s engine relies on oil to stay lubricated and protected from wear and tear. If you notice that your engine is running low on oil, you can quickly add more before any damage is done. Make sure you’re checking the oil level on a regular basis, such as every 3,000 miles or so. You’ll also want to make sure that the oil is of good quality and meets the specifications of your vehicle. Be sure to check the oil filter too, since it can affect the quality of the oil. Next up, you’ll want to make sure your car’s engine has the right amount of coolant and transmission fluid. These fluids help your engine run smoothly by regulating temperature and preventing wear and tear. Keep an eye on the levels and add more as necessary.
Rotate your tires and brakes
It goes without saying that having properly working brakes is an essential part of safe driving. But, like the engine, tires can also cause damage to the rest of your vehicle without enough maintenance. Letting your tires go without rotation for years on end can cause uneven wear, which can lead to blowouts. Meanwhile, letting your brakes go without regular maintenance can reduce effectiveness and even lead to a blowout. A quick rotation every 6 months or so can prevent uneven wear. And regular maintenance can help keep your brakes working safely and effectively. Many DIY auto repair shops will offer a tire and brake maintenance service, so you can tackle this job on your own.
Get a tune-up every few months
Your car’s engine relies on several moving parts—and they need occasional maintenance to keep running smoothly. The spark plugs and fuel injectors, for example, are important and can cause damage to other parts if they aren’t working properly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to take care of these parts on your own. A spark plug gap gauge, for example, can help you measure the gap on your spark plugs. If it becomes too wide or too thin, you may need a new set of spark plugs. A fuel injector cleaning service can also help keep your fuel injectors running smoothly. You can also check the air filter for your fuel injection system, which can cause damage if it isn’t cleaned on a regular basis.
Change the air filter
As we mentioned above, the air filter can get clogged over time, which can cause damage to your engine. The good news is that you can clean and replace the air filter yourself. You’ll want to do this once every year or so. Make sure to buy a high-quality air filter to avoid damaging your engine further. If you notice that your engine isn’t running smoothly, cleaning the air filter may be all you need to do to fix the problem. A dirty air filter can cause reduced gas mileage, engine vibration, and even a reduction in engine power. So, while it may not seem like a big deal, you’ll want to make sure the air filter is cleaned regularly.
Check your brakes and suspension too
The suspension and brakes on your car are essential for safe driving, but they can also cause a lot of damage if they aren’t given regular attention. That’s why you’ll want to keep a close eye on them and be sure to get them checked whenever your car gets serviced. If you notice that your car is making a strange noise when you brake, you may want to take it in for an inspection right away. A squealing sound is often a sign that there’s a problem with the brakes. You can also notice this problem by coming to a stop faster than usual. If you notice that your car is making a strange noise when it drives, like a clunking or grinding sound, it could be a sign that the suspension is damaged.
Protect your car with a car cover
If you’re storing your car for long periods of time, you may want to consider investing in a car cover to keep it protected from the elements and other hazards. A car cover will shield your car from dirt, dust, and even sun damage. It will also protect your car from being dinged or dented by people running into it or dropping items on it. A car cover will also protect your car from pesky rodents who may want to chew on it while it’s unattended. While car covers aren’t a complete substitute for regular garage storage, they do a great job of keeping your car clean and protected while it’s not in use.
Final Words
If you want to keep your car running smoothly, you’ll need to tackle a few DIY auto repair tasks every now and then. We hope these tips will help you stay on top of your car’s maintenance and prevent costly repairs in the future.
