![]() These short-term checks are considered preventative maintenance. However, some items need to be looked at regularly as they can degrade quickly. These are generally the things that only need to be considered after a long period of time or lots of use. Labor-intensive checks that will need to be performed as time goes by may require that you plan ahead and give yourself a weekend to complete the work, especially for those who are beginners. In the below guide, we discuss some of the common things and tips for beginners to be aware of when it comes to basic maintenance for your car. A car maintenance schedule is smart and can also help make these things easier to plan and budget for, while a checklist or schedule for car maintenance can help you make sure that you don't miss anything. But fear not - not all maintenance of vehicles is daunting and difficult, and many things can be checked by the layman without any tools. Things like air filters and oil filters get clogged with gunk, and oil loses its viscosity and ability to absorb heat as it ages and gets used. But why is this important, and what is scheduled maintenance? After all, this is a brand new car, and surely the engineers who built it built it to last, right? Well, not only are some components subject to wear and tear, but fluids lose their efficacy after numerous temperature changes and after absorbing contaminants. This means you need to take care of your car's health personally. Crossing the threads at this point could be expensive and time-consuming.So, you've just bought a new car, but unfortunately, it didn't come with a maintenance plan. When you refit, ensure you turn the filter to tighten it gently and smoothly, having put a smear of oil on the O-ring seal. You’ll then need to swap the filter, which may require a specific tool or a large socket, so check you have everything you need before starting. Refit the plug and tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting using a torque wrench. You’ll need to discard the old oil correctly at a household recycling centre, never down the drain. Place an oil drip tray underneath and remove the plug using the correct size socket to allow the old oil to flow out. ![]() Locate the sump plug, a bolt that’s usually located at the lowest point of the engine. ![]() Jack up your car and rest it on axle stands in the locations outlined in the owner’s manual never work under a car that’s only supported by a jack. To change your oil, run the car to warm, but not hot. Even so, some main dealer parts departments offer surprisingly good deals on lubricants and oil filters it is always worth enquiring. Buying branded oil from a motor factor could save you money while not scrimping on quality. The biggest challenge is selecting the correct oil, so never deviate from the manufacturer’s specifications. Regular oil and filter changes remain vital to engine longevity. But, some vehicles (notably, certain Mercedes models) require diagnostic equipment to calibrate the engine computer afterwards, so check precisely what your car needs before starting work. You’ll need to locate the airbox, prise off the clips with a screwdriver, lift out the old filter and drop the new one back in. ![]() Ten minutes and a screwdriver may be all you need. Perhaps the easiest DIY task is replacing an air filter, which can reduce fuel consumption. EVs and hybrids require specialist attention due to their potentially lethal high-voltage systems. Even so, you should research your vehicle’s needs carefully and be honest about your capabilities. Modern cars can still be serviced from home by more experienced owners. Tackling more advanced car servicing yourself
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |