7 Do-It-Yourself Vehicle Maintenance Procedures That You Can Try!

Posted by Frank Castle on June 16th, 2023

Vehicles are machinery, and just like any other equipment, they require upkeep. Regular maintenance for most automobiles begins at 5,000 miles and runs every 5,000-10,000 miles thereafter. Of course, servicing the vehicle on a frequent basis is preferable.

Maintenance keeps your car operating smoothly and safely for a considerably longer distance than not completing upkeep. Your owner's handbook will detail all of the upkeep that must be performed and when it must be performed so that you are prepared. 

But do you have to pay a mechanic to maintain your vehicle? By following the guidelines below, you can undertake a lot of basic car upkeep on your own. If not, try Car Service in Solihull.

7 Do-It-Yourself Vehicle Maintenance Procedures:

Most repairs require the services of a mechanic, but you can undertake a lot of vehicle maintenance on your own. 

1. Read And Understand Your Owner's Manual.

Every car comes with an owner's manual. It's a thick book that's usually kept in the glove box. If you are unable to locate your copy, there may be an electronic version available online. Otherwise, contact your local dealer to obtain a copy.

With the manual in hand, proceed to the section on maintenance schedules. Take note of the service intervals for things such as engine oil, oil filtering, tire rotation, belts, pipes, and others. To keep the engine working as smoothly as possible, adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines.

2. Perform A Monthly Tire Inspection.

A lot depends on your tires, including the entire car. The tires are what keep your car moving down the road. They must be adequately inflated in order to perform their function and reduce the possibility of a blowout.

You presumably already know how to inflate your tires. What you might not be aware of is the proper tire pressure. That's critical. The appropriate tire pressure can be found on a plaque on the driver's door frame or in the owner's handbook. 

To acquire an accurate reading, tires should be filled when they are cold. If this is not practicable, increase the recommended quantity by 4 PSI. Examine your spare

While you're doing that, examine your spare tire and recheck all pressures using a tire gauge when the tires have relaxed.

3. Alter Your Oil And Filter On A Regular Basis.

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It acts as a lubricant, preventing critical engine parts from grinding together and ruining the engine. Unchanged motor oil can harm your engine because accumulated impurities produce friction as they rub against parts.

Should you use petroleum-based oil or synthetic oil? Is one superior to the other? The type of oil is unimportant.  

You may change between them as much as you wish as long as the oil matches the maintenance and viscosity standards specified in your owner's handbook.

4. Change The Air Filter Every Time You Change Your Oil.

When it pertains to air filters, you should replace them once or twice a year. It is mostly determined by the amount you drive. When changing your oil, it's a good idea to inspect the air filter.

5. Examine All Other Fluids.

Motor oil isn't the only component that should be inspected. Check your car's braking fluid, transmission fluid, the coolant, and windshield washing fluid, according to experts. Transmission fluid, like motor oil, is tested with a dipstick. 

Remove relevant covers and visually inspect each to determine the levels of brake fluid, coolant, and washer fluid. 

6. Inspect The Belts And Hoses.

If you want to go above and beyond basic vehicle maintenance, check the pipes and belts in the engine area. These hoses lead coolant flow to keep the engine from overheating. If a hose has detached, cracked, or bulged, it should be replaced.

Examine the belts as well. The timing belt, which is found in most automobiles and small SUVs, is important to the engine's performance. If this belt displays symptoms of wear, such as cracking, glazing, or material loss, it should be replaced as soon as possible. If the timing belt fails while driving, substantial engine damage can result.

7. Always Look For And Feel About Brake Problems.

Brakes are an essential component of any vehicle. Every time you drive, you should be mindful of how the brakes feel as well as what they sound like. If the brakes seem spongy or need greater force to apply than usual, they should be evaluated by a professional. 

Brake sounds may indicate the need for maintenance or repair. Here's a list of common braking sounds:

When you hear screeching, it's about time for new brake pads since the ones you have been wearing out and grinding on the rotor. Go get a Full Car Service in Shirley.