We all know the frustration of our car breaking down just when we need it the most. Well, what if we told you that some of the most common causes of your car breaking down are easy fixes you can learn to do yourself?
Allow us to elaborate.
Changing a Car’s Oil
To ensure your car runs smoothly and prolong the life of your vehicle’s engine, you’ll have to check your car’s oil regularly. Changing a car’s oil is the most vital skill one should have if they’re trying to repair or maintain their car themselves. But of course, we know it can be a different story if the oil drain plug and oil filter in your car are hard to reach.
The basic steps involved in the process are:
- Remove the oil drain plug. This will drain the oil.
- Unscrew the filter and empty it.
- Put the oil filter and drain plug back into place.
- Pour in the fresh oil.
If this still seems confusing, there are various tutorials online that can teach you how to do it!
Check the Hoses and Belts
While it may not seem like much, your car’s belts take all the brute force of your car’s functions. A car’s belt starts the alternator and helps operate the water pump. New vehicles nowadays have serpentine belts that enable most of the engine’s parts. This is why you should have your engine checked for fraying, cracks, and exposed threads.
If you’re driving an older vehicle that uses a V-belt, have the car technician look for signs of glazing, excessive wear, and cracking. By keeping your car’s belts strong, you’ll also ensure your engine operates just the way it should.
Replacing a Flat Tire
There’s a reason people call their cars “wheels.” That’s because the tires of a car are one of the most essential components. Sadly, they can go flat every once in a while. However, changing one shouldn’t be a big deal; quite literally, it could be a lifesaving skill.
To do this, you have to:
- Loosen the nuts on your tire with a wrench
- With a jack stand, lift your car off the ground so the wheel can come off
- Take off the spare tire
- Replace it with the new one
- Lower your car
- Put the nuts back on (ensure your screw them on tightly)
Simple.
Remove Scratches from the Paint
Scratches are annoying. Even the most minor scratches are visible from a distance, and they can easily ruin the appearance of your car quickly. Unfortunately, getting rid of them may cost you thousands of dollars, but you can easily save this money and get rid of these dents with an easy DIY job.
Conclusion
Preventative service and regular maintenance play an integral role in your determining your car’s entire lifespan. If performed on a routine basis, updates and service checks will not only extend the life of your car, but they’ll also save you from loans for emergencies you have to take out to pay for the expensive repair bills.
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