Keeping your vehicle in top shape involves more than just filling the gas tank and taking it for a spin. Regular engine maintenance ensures a smooth and safe driving experience. Read on for some essential tasks you can perform yourself to keep your engine running smoothly:
Change Engine Oil and Filter
Changing the engine oil and filter is very important for your vehicle. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on how often to do this. While doing it yourself may not save a significant amount of money, it provides you with control over the quality of the oil entering your engine. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to inspect other components while working underneath your vehicle.
Buff out A Paint Scratch
Those pesky paint scratches can be an eyesore, but you can fix minor ones with a bit of effort. If the scratch hasn’t penetrated the paint, using a mild auto-body buffing compound and a moistened buffing pad can work wonders. This DIY solution can make scratches vanish and give your vehicle’s appearance a significant boost.
Fix a Flat Tire
Dealing with a flat tire is a skill every driver should have. First, locate the leak by spraying a solution made of 80% water and 20% percent dishwashing liquid onto the inflated tire. The air leak will cause bubbles to form at the leak point. If it’s a screw, nail, or staple causing the leak, you can fix it with a plug kit and tire repair cement. However, if the leak is near the rim, it’s best to consult a mechanic for a proper fix.
Check and Top Off Fluids
Regularly checking and topping off fluids is a simple yet essential task for vehicle maintenance. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, and automatic transmission fluid levels should be checked regularly. Make it a weekly habit to ensure that your vehicle has the necessary fluids for optimal performance. Remember to check the engine oil with the engine off on level ground, while other fluids might need to be checked with the engine running.
Add Trailer Wiring
Adding trailer wiring to your vehicle used to be a daunting task, but it’s much simpler now. Ready-made trailer wiring harnesses are available for various vehicle models. While some installations may be easier than others, it’s generally a manageable DIY task. Having properly functioning trailer wiring is essential if you plan to tow trailers or other loads, ensuring safety on the road.
