Maintaining your car isn’t always a thing that calls for visiting a mechanic. There are some useful tasks you can handle yourself, save a considerable sum of money, and ensure optimal functioning of your car. In this blog, you will find many useful DIY tips on car maintenance that will save money and prolong its life. These steps may seem obvious but are valuable for both amateur and professional driving through cars used for their intended purpose.
Check and change your oil
Regular oil changes are among the most important services your engine needs to keep running smoothly. Using the dipstick, ensure there is enough oil in your car then add oil if it’s low. Changing the oil all by yourself too is a great way to save some money. All you’ll need is a few supplies like the right kind of oil, an oil filter, a wrench, and a drain pan. Check your car guide to know about the oil type and replacement intervals.
Replace Air Filters
One of the simplest things you can pull off in the list of car maintenance is changing the air filter. A cleaner air filter is conducive to a better fuel combustion rate and enhanced performance of the vehicle’s engine. Check your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and replace it if it looks dirty. Usually, this entails pulling out the outdated filter from a casing that is found underneath the hood and placing a new one in its place.
Inspect and Maintain Tires
Apart from safety and fuel efficiency, also pay attention to the condition of tires. The tire must always be checked to see if it is pressure and inflates to the recommended level. Some of the maintenance tips include rotating the tires every 6,000 to 8, 000 miles for even tire wear. Make sure that your tires are in good condition and, if not, change it to the one that has better-quality tires.
Replace Wiper Blades
Proper visibility is very important to eliminate the chances of any mishap. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year but it depends on whether or not they streak or make noise. This is a very simple task whereby the old blade is released and new blades are snapped into place.
Check and Refill Fluids
Brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are very important fluids that makes your car function smoothly. Ensure that these are always checked and refilled when they are low. Many of these jobs are easy and only require you to locate the reservoir under the hood.
Change Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are an extremely important component of an engine and help in smooth function. The spark plug should be replaced at least once every 30,000 miles; however, it might differ in some cases. Although they are quite easy to access, you don’t have to take your vehicle to a mechanic, as with a spark plug socket and some basic knowledge, you can replace the spark plugs yourself.
Maintain the Battery
This may lead to a situation whereby the battery is completely drained, and you are left stranded with the car. Make a habit of monitoring the corrosion of your batteries terminals and if they are corroded, clean them using a mixture of baking soda and water. Check the tightness of battery mounting and compression of battery terminal and bus bar connections. If the battery is three years old or older, the best thing to do is to take it for charging and check whether it is as strong as before, if not, get a replacement.
DIY Brake Pad Replacement
If you are more advanced, you can easily replace brake pads which will save you a lot of money. You will need only a few specific tools such as a jack, lug wrench, and C-clamp. When you ensure that the car is raised sufficiently and that the wheels are off the ground, you will have sufficient access to the brake caliper to replace old pads with new ones. It is always important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and one should seek assistance from a professional if in doubt.
Despite the money that can be cut from traveling to a professional, some jobs should not be attempted by the owner alone. For detailed services and other major services, check with an expert auto garage in Abu Dhabi such as Magic Touch. Our skillful technicians will use their work to offer your car the best services to make it perform as required. Established in 2008, Magic Touch specializes in concrete polishing utilizing high-end equipment and concentrating
Importance of Regular Car Maintenance
- Ensures Safety: Do maintenance check regularly that will help you detect and rectify any defect that may be lurking in the vehicle before it causes a mishap to both the driver and people in the vehicle.
- Improves Performance: The performance of a vehicle is well optimized by regular maintenance making it run smoothly and efficiently.
- Saves Money: Scheduling is crucial is preventing costly repairs and breakdown by addressing early attention to issues.
- Extends Vehicle Lifespan: Maintenance of the car is relatively cheap, and by performing the right activities on the car frequently, you get more value in the long run.
- Maintains Resale Value: Pre-owned car holds its value well, and this means that it is easier to sell, trade in, or exchange when the need arises.
- Increases Fuel Efficiency: This is true because well-maintained automobiles require fewer repairs, and their fuel efficiency therefore increases, thereby reducing the fuel expenses as well.
- Reduces Environmental Impact: Regular maintenance requires less emission of pollutants to the environment contributing to a clean environment.
- Compliance with Warranty: Make sure to abide to the maintenance schedule, to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
- Prevents Breakdowns: This is because through constant inspection, situations like breakdown are reduced when you are driving.
- Peace of Mind: It provides satisfaction that the car is always in good shape and that it can handle long drives or cold and rainy clients.
When to seek professional help for car repairs
- Complex Mechanical Issues: Issues concerning the engine, transmission, or any other complex system should best be handled by a mechanic.
- Electrical Problems: Wiring issues or any other electrical problems concerning the ASU involves fixing of the electrical problems that may include faulty sensors and others which may not be accomplished by simple tools but rather the technical knowledge is a must.
- Brake System Repairs: While changing brake pads is rather simple for even a car owner to do, more complex brake system problems such as a faulty ABS or a malfunctioning master cylinder require the help of a professional.
- Air Conditioning Problems: AC systems are complex, delicate and need specialized equipment for testing as well as repair of leakages, compressor or refrigerant complications.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Today’s cars come equipped with sophisticated onboard computers and diagnostic systems, which even an experienced layman would not be able to diagnose and fix with tools found in ordinary auto-repair shops.
- Suspension and Steering Repairs: These systems are vital for safe driving, and any problems with the suspension or steering gadgets should be handled by skilled workers.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission repairs are commonly complex and involve extensive manipulations, which are most effectively done by experienced mechanics.
- Persistent or Unidentifiable Issues: If you are not able to solve it and unable to find the problem, then it is time to seek professional help.
- Bodywork and Structural Damage: Any work such as vehicle’s frame, body panels or structural integrity should be done by expert technicians to avoid risks and ensure that alignment is correct.
- Warranty Considerations: For new cars that are under warranty, having repairs done by a certified mechanic is often required to maintain the warranty coverage.
- Recalls and Manufacturer-Specific Issues: If your vehicle is part of a recall or has issues particular to the concerned manufacturer, it is recommended that these repairs be done at a recommended service center like Magic Touch.
While DIY car maintenance can help you save a lot of money, there are specific repairs that must be left to professionals to ensure safety and proper functioning. Complex mechanical issues, such as engine or transmission problems, or even electrical problems, like advanced diagnostics, and intricate systems call the need for professional expert. Be rest assured that professional experts will not only maintain your vehicle’s warranty but also ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
Conclusion
When you handle such basic maintenance tasks yourself, you can keep your car running smoothly and save money. However, it is important to seek professional help for more complex issues and regular check-ups. We at Magic Touch are the leading auto garage in Abu Dhabi. We combine DIY maintenance with professional services so that your car stays reliable and competent for smooth and peaceful driving on the road. Call us at +971 52 793 7314 to know more.
