Regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting are necessary to ensure a car’s durability and reliability. Routine maintenance tasks are usually performed at automotive polishing and repair shops. Some of the routine maintenance tasks, like checking tire pressures, changing engine oil, and cleaning air filters, are easy and often affordable. However, they can be expensive in the long run. Long-term costs can be minimized if simple routine maintenance tasks are done as do-it-yourself projects. A car owner does not necessarily have to become an expert auto mechanic to perform many of the simple and routine maintenance tasks.
Something similar can be said about occasional troubleshooting. In most cases, a car owner doesn’t need to spend a fortune on simple troubleshooting tasks like replacing or cleaning spark plugs. Many of the common problems encountered on the road are simple enough to solve with the use of basic knowledge and tools. The contingency must be considered that the triple A club and other similar auto towing and repair clubs are not always accessible anywhere. There are times when a vehicle could break down in the middle of nowhere, with no assistance available. Fortunately, many of the common auto problems are either preventable or easy to fix.
basic maintenance
Automotive maintenance involves routine cleaning, repair, and replacement of some components. Routine maintenance should generally be done based on the distance traveled by a car. However, it can also be done at a regular time interval, such as monthly, quarterly, or twice a year. It will also depend on the frequency of use and the degree of abuse a vehicle undergoes. For example, a pickup truck that is used for several hours a day for farm work will need more frequent maintenance. Something similar can be said about a taxi and other types of utility vehicles.
These are some of the basic maintenance tasks that can be easily performed even by non-mechanics. This can be done by following simple DIY instructions that can be found in maintenance manuals, books, or websites. There are also audio and instructional videos that can be purchased. In some cases, all it takes is common sense.
Air Filter: Automotive experts recommend that air filters be replaced once every 15,000 miles driven. As the air filter becomes clogged with dust and other particles, the engine’s intake efficiency is compromised. Therefore, the performance of the engine is also affected.
Antifreeze – More commonly known as antifreeze, the mixture of ethylene glycol and water is meant to protect the engine against extreme cold. As its name suggests, antifreeze prevents the coolant in the radiator from crystallizing into ice. It is essential to check the level of antifreeze, especially during the winter. Antifreeze mix should be added if the current level is low.
Battery – Although car batteries are sealed and designed to last for nearly a decade, there are instances where leakage can occur. Since battery fluids are acidic, they can damage other parts of the car. Leaks can also short circuit electronic/electrical circuits and can discharge the battery. It is recommended to check the batteries quarterly. The acid and water solution should also be replaced or replenished periodically.
Brake fluid: The safety of the car can be compromised if there is a leak in the brake fluid or if it is already too dirty. It should be replaced periodically at least once every 24,000 miles or about two years. However, a car owner should regularly check the brake fluid level once every three months along with changing the engine oil.
Motor oil – The automobile is basically a combustion machine. This means that it burns fuel and in doing so produces heat. Engine oil helps prevent the engine from overheating. It also ensures that frictions between moving parts are minimized. Engine oil should be replaced every three months or every 3,000 miles driven, whichever comes first.
Power Steering – Your vehicle’s handling will be severely affected if your power steering fluid is deficient. It should be checked at least once every six months, especially if the vehicle will be used for a long trip.
Transmission Fluid – This is another very important fluid that needs to be checked and replaced regularly. Without it, mechanical power will not be effectively transmitted to the wheels. It should be checked at least once every three months and should be replaced every 50,000 miles for rear wheel drive cars and about half of that mileage for front wheel drive cars.
Simple troubleshooting
Some of the most common yet simple problems encountered by most motorists can be easily resolved without the need to hire a professional mechanic. Some of the most common but simple car problems include the following:
Weak Battery Charge – A car will not start if the battery charge is weak or completely absent. The car can be pushed to start. On the other hand, jumper cables can also be used to ask a fellow motorist for a favor to jump start the car.
Dirty spark plugs – If the car won’t start even though the battery is fully charged, the first thing to check is the spark plugs. They could be so dirty that they cannot discharge enough electrical sparks to start combustion. They can be easily cleaned with a rug or sandpaper.
Overheated radiator – this can be easily resolved by adding water. Therefore, it is important to carry at least an extra gallon of reserved water with you.
Water in Gas Tank – There are cases where moisture from water can accidentally or gradually build up inside the water tank. This can potentially damage the engine. The fuel needs to be drained.
Other common but more complex problems, such as noisy brake pads, misaligned wheels, and faulty steering, should be consulted by professionals. However, they can all be prevented with periodic or regular maintenance.