DIY Car Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Many drivers believe working on their car without professional mechanic assistance is difficult or impossible, yet there are numerous maintenance tasks almost any driver can perform themselves.

Change a flat tire quickly and simply for quick savings of both time and money; additionally, keeping your tires properly inflated may reduce fuel usage by saving on tickets or tickets alone.

Check Your Fluids

Your car’s fluids are essential to its smooth running, yet many drivers fail to inspect them regularly enough. Checking engine oil (remove and wipe clean dipstick), power steering fluid from a small reservoir tank with visible minimum and maximum lines as well as any additional fluids should be done once every week or two.

Coolant and transmission fluid levels should also be regularly assessed; if their levels drop too far below what’s necessary for optimal performance, consider consulting your mechanic for repairs. Similarly, checking windshield washer fluid frequently will keep visibility clear while reducing sun glare; in addition, use a tire gauge to make sure your tires meet manufacturer recommendations on tire pressure inflation.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Tires should always be inflated to their manufacturer-recommended pressure (this information should be located on a sticker in your driver-side door jamb or owner manual). Properly inflated tires not only offer greater safety and longer tire lifespan but can save money in the long run.

Locating and purchasing an inexpensive tire pressure gauge makes finding the correct air pressure in your tires a simple process, costing under $20 from any auto parts store. Simply remove the valve cap from each tire before pressing firmly over its open valve stem until a hissing sound occurs and a reading appears. For best results, check when tires are cold; temperatures can cause up to one psi drop per degree change in temperature.

Check Your Brakes

Your brakes are an essential component of a car when it comes to keeping both you and other drivers safe on the road. Without quality brakes, there’d be no way for you to stop your vehicle without colliding into something which could cause costly damages or injure someone else on the road.

Modern cars typically utilize disc brakes that work by pushing brake pads against rotors to create friction that slows the car. As the pads wear down over time, they begin making an audible high-pitched sound similar to metal grinding against metal, leading to emergency breakdowns on the road and keeping everyone safe. By regularly checking and replacing brakes as necessary, drivers can ensure everyone remains safe on the roads.

Check Your Lights

Car lights are integral for safety. Your brake light notifies following vehicles of your slowing pace, helping prevent rear-end collisions from occurring. Taillights ensure other drivers can see your vehicle when parking it.

Checking your headlights is straightforward – simply verify they illuminate the road without blinding other drivers (which could happen if your lights are set too high). Turn signal indicators are just as easy; simply flick your indicator lever upward until blinking appears, then walk around your car to ensure both left and right indicators work as intended.

Your tires should also be checked to make sure they’re safe to drive on, with tread depth within legal requirements and sufficient air pressure for driving safely. Low pressure could cause a flat, while general damage or excessive wear could signal replacement is due.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are the only elements of your vehicle that actually come in contact with the road, making them a vital element for both its safety and performance. Worn or under-inflated tires reduce traction and increase risk of hydroplaning; driving with noncompliant tires could even incur fines!

An accurate tire pressure gauge should be part of every motorist’s tool kit and used regularly. Improper air pressure can accelerate wear on tires, decreasing their efficiency and costing more over time.