5 easy DIY tips for car maintenance
20th Aug, 2024
Cars are, quite simply, designed to last. And you’d hope so too, since research shows they’re probably amongst the single most expensive purchases that lots of us are likely to make in our lifetime. So it makes sense that you’d want to keep yours ticking over, maximising its operational lifespan before the day finally comes to scrap your car. Of course, when that day finally comes, we’re here to help at Scrap Car Network. But in the meantime, here are a couple of things you can do to keep your car in good condition!
Check and change your oil regularly
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and keeping it clean and at the correct level is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. To check your oil, make sure the engine is off and the car is on level ground. Pull out the dipstick, clean it with a cloth, then reinsert it and remove it again to check the oil level. If it’s low, top it up with the correct type of oil as specified in your car’s manual.
Changing your oil typically needs to be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. To change the oil yourself, you’ll need to drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill with fresh oil. Make sure to dispose of the used oil and filter responsibly by taking them to a recycling centre.
Keep your tyres properly inflated
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. (Choosing the right ones is important too.) Under-inflated tyres can cause poor handling and increase fuel consumption, while over-inflated tyres may lead to uneven wear and a harsher ride. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys, using a reliable tyre gauge.
You can usually find the recommended tyre pressure in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. Adjust the pressure as needed, either adding air or letting some out, to match the recommended levels. Don’t forget to also check the spare tyre!
Inspect and replace air filters
Air filters play a vital role in ensuring that your engine receives clean air, which is essential for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing their effectiveness. It’s a good idea to inspect your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as advised in your vehicle’s manual.
To check the air filter, locate it under the bonnet (usually near the engine) and remove it from its housing. If it appears dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. Replacing the air filter is generally a straightforward task and can be done with minimal tools.
Monitor and top up fluid levels
Your car relies on various fluids to operate correctly, including coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Regularly checking and topping up these fluids is an important part of car maintenance.
To check fluid levels, consult your vehicle’s manual for the location of each reservoir. For example, the coolant reservoir is usually a translucent tank with a fill line, while the brake fluid reservoir is often a small, capped container near the back of the engine bay. If any fluid is low, top it up with the appropriate type as specified in your manual. Always check the levels when the engine is cool to avoid injury.
Clean and maintain your battery terminals
Corrosion on battery terminals can lead to starting problems and affect the overall performance of your car’s electrical system. To prevent this, regularly inspect and clean the battery terminals.
First, make sure the car is turned off and the keys are removed. Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and cable ends using a mixture of baking soda and water. After cleaning, rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Reconnect the terminals, starting with the positive terminal, and ensure they are tight and secure.
Those are all the essentials covered! A good rule of thumb is to be proactive – try and develop a schedule to stick to, rather than waiting for an issue to develop and then tackling it on an as-and-when basis. It can get quite expensive otherwise!
And as we’ve touched on above, if it ever gets to the point when you’ve decided it may be uneconomical to keep your car on the road, or to have it repaired, that’s where we can help here at Scrap Car Network. With decades of experience to our name, we’re committed to helping you get the very best price for your scrap car. All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our site, and we’ll get you an instant online quote before you can say cash for cars. It only takes a few seconds. Curious to find out how much your car is worth?
