Everyone driving a car already knows that it takes more than a gas tank to keep it on the road. More than other consumer products, you should regularly perform car maintenance, especially if you want to keep your car running in pristine condition.
Routine upkeep is among the first steps to prevent auto issues, and you may handle several DIY vehicle maintenance tasks right at home. Through the owner’s manual of your car, you can care for your vehicle and diagnose certain issues.
Why DIY Auto Maintenance?
Taking your car to a local mechanic can be expensive. Even a basic maintenance task will have hefty repair bills. In certain situations, mechanics may charge more than $120 per hour for labor.
Today, DIY auto maintenance is one of the popular approaches to save you some money. Because of that, most people do their own car maintenance to prevent taking their cars to a garage mechanic.
Tools Needed for Auto Maintenance
Before you start any auto repair or maintenance, you must be familiar with the tools you need to finish the work. For example, changing the oil is relatively easy, but with the right oil pan to catch draining oil, you can avoid making a big mess in your driveway or garage.
No matter whether you want to work on the body, engine, or wheels of your vehicle, having the following tools will make it much easier to complete maintenance and repair tasks:
- Tire pressure gauge
- Car jack
- Breaker bar and tire iron
- Torque wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Oil filter wrench
- Pliers
Simple DIY Auto Maintenance Tasks
You don’t need to be a qualified mechanic to determine if your car is wrong. Whether it is a wobbling steering wheel or a weird smell, your vehicle has ways of making you know that it needs servicing.
In addition, vehicles have become more advanced, and most work needs the services of trained mechanics at shops, such as D Wells Auto, that adds up quickly. But still, there are other simple DIY tasks you may handle, such as the following:
- Check the engine oil – It takes around five minutes to get a glimpse into an engine’s health and even identify catastrophic issues before they even develop. Many manufacturers advise that you check the oil level when the engine gets cold so you can comfortably touch it.
- Change a flat tire – Sure, roadside assistance exists. However, knowing how to change the tire will quickly make you out of a pinch.
- Inspect your vehicle’s battery – Corrosion on the terminal of a battery will add stress to the charging systems of your car. Thus, cleaning the terminals of your battery is important to protect it against future electrical issues.
- Replace spark plugs – Always replace spark plugs in case your vehicle has been running a bit rough of late. This is a simple task you may do it yourself.
Final Remarks
While you may handle many DIY auto tasks by yourself, some issues are complicated, and only a professional can be able to solve them. An expert will provide you with specialized assistance and even get your vehicle up and running.
Keeping up with your car’s maintenance is a great way to retain its value when you go to sell. For more ways you can retain your car’s value, please see the tips below.
Infographic provided by Capital Auto Auction