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Your Essential Starter Guide to DIY Auto Maintenance !!

This article is written by flashG

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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 10years.

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
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The first thing to do is to look under the car hood. It looks like a maze, isnt 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
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1) Fluids
- Engine Oil fluids
- Coolant fluids
- Windshield fluids
- Washer fluids
- Brake fluids
- Power steering fluids
2) Car tyre pressure

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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1a) - Engine Oil Fluids
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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. Wip 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.


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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1b) - Coolant Fluids
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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.

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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1c) - Windshield Fluids
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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 dishwashing detergent to water.
4) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.

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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1d) - Brake Fluids
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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.
Dont 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.














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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1e) - Power Steering Fluids
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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.














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DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (2) - Car Tyre Pressure Check
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Purpose of Tyre Pressure Check:
Regular pressure checks will help to maximize the lifespan of the tyres since the wrongpressures can cause over contact with the roads reducing the lifespan, or under contact with the road causing safety issues. Underinflated tires will also reduce fuel economy resulting in higher costs unknowingly.

Steps to follow:
1) Find out the recommended tyre 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 tyre 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
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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.


Hope you enjoy this article !!

31 comments:

Muhammad Saad Ul Haq said...

Hey I need some tips about Car Intercooler. Please post it next time.
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Anonymous said...

It is the owners' responsibility to maintain the condition of their car before they go on long drives, so they can avoid the trouble of getting their car stuck in the middle of the road.

But there are certain defects that a regular driver can't see in their cars, that is why I always get my car checked up at an auto repair in Indianapolis at a car repair (Indianapolis, IN) service area.

Unknown said...

I always take my car for an annual service and MOT, but I think it is also important and useful to try and maintain your car yourself along the way and attempt some Car Servicing. I look forward to reading more about these simple weekly checks.

Unknown said...

Maintenance is something most of us ignore, until our vehicle stops functioning, that is. And then we wonder what went wrong, where. Maintenance is one of the most serious aspects of ownership. It determines the performance and reliability of whichever vehicle you drive. Looking after your vehicle involves more than taking care of its external coat of paint and keeping it clean and shiny. I'm very thankful to you for this excellent article which provides all necessary maintenance tips to car users.
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Leisa said...

I like the way you made the guide with images to help us figure out the names and uses of different parts of the engine! This guide is great for beginners who are trying to brief themselves into the art of maintenance and auto repair. Indianapolis has a lot of car enthusiasts, but not all of them knows how to maintain one. Car dealerships in Indianapolis tries to brief buyers about different tips about auto care but they seem to rather rely on Auto Repair shops. I'm not saying that it's bad, it's just that you'll save tons of money if you know how to fix your own car yourself.

Eddie Mars said...

Doing as much car maintenance as you can and having a reliable mechanic do the rest is critical to having a car that's road ready when you are. Having the car maintenance done on a regular schedule can also affect the resell value of the car.

The mechanical maintenance is by far the most important but there are some things that can be done inside the car to help it retain some value. Repairing Car's Roof Falling Upholstery

alex said...

This are great article for car owners.

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Immanuel said...

Mastering DIY car maintenance is a must for car owners. The whole concept may seem complicated at first, but learning each part one step at a time is a great way to become an expert.


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daphne sy said...

It's hard for me to maintain my car. I am the only doing it because I ma a single mum. Well done sir! thanks for giving this tips. Maybe I should try sometimes :)

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Jamie said...

I found what I need for car check up and maintenance. Thanks for posting this guide.

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Anonymous said...

This is truly something I can treasure, my husband knows a lot in terms of vehicles and cars however, he never bother to discuss the same to me. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article, my fleet software knowledge has been increased.

Anonymous said...

Another reliable source on car maintenance. Motorist should always practice this to ensure long years of car service.
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Unknown said...

Nice guide I realized I can fixed my car on my own with this guide! And my partner would be proud of me! I got my Lemon Squad website for additional information about me.

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting! I am always looking for tips on how to maintain my car and keep it nice. I recently just bought some weathertech floor liners because I didn't like the carpets getting dirty. Ill try and use some of these other helpful tips you've provided to keep my car looking nice!

Caroline Whitt said...

Great article, I feel a little more prepared for the winter ahead. Have to say I'm a little nervous about my first December on the road. Coupled with some advice from easywheels.co.uk, I think your blog has given me a bit more confidence. A bit...

Unknown said...

These are very nice tips. You also need to have good repairing services.
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Erin Fred said...

Car maintenance guide will also help the beginners and the car owners. Thanks

Erin Fred said...

Your guide is quite interesting and helpful.
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David John said...

Been reading this site for awhile now, always has really good posts and topics please keep it up! loads of blogs are going under lately from lack of new posts etc
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Unknown said...

This looks like intense car maintenance! I have been in need of some and have been looking into car maintenance fort myers and how they can help me! Can you tell me how they might be able to help? Thanks again for sharing!

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting this. I recently had a spike in my engine temperature and when I looked under the hood I noticed I had a cracked radiator. I replaced it and it worked for about 3 days and then my temp started spiking again and now it wont turn over. Do you think I cracked a cylinder head? Do you know of anyone who does car maintenance in fort myers?

Unknown said...

a better blog ....we will wait for your upcoming post related to car service...really awesome....thanks for sharing...
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Unknown said...

I am car maintenance illiterate and so I really super appreciate your post here. You are very thorough. thanks so much!

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Unknown said...

Oh thats a great info provides by you about a car servicing toowoomba i would like to thanks to share such type of great info.I want to continue with your blogs.

Unknown said...

If your AC controls have a MAX AC setting, keep it on that and that should keep the hot coolant out of the heater core using the heater control valve gm vin decoder must visit this site also...

Unknown said...

We have been looking for a new car and my husband found one he really likes but it's foreign car. My only concern is if something were to happen to it where could we take it to get it fixed. I would want something where we could do some of the simple maintenance ourselves and then take it to someone for the bigger things. Also are parts going to be more expensive?

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Unknown said...

My cars engine needs some maintenance. I don't know what it is but it has trouble starting and when it does the engine light turns on. I hope someone can help me get it fixed. http://www.palmautomall.com/parts-service/schedule-service

David Ronaldo said...

Thanks for sharing this information.
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Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Nice Post. car trapped tips will give you more tips about car.

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