Whenever we feel like we are coming down with the flu or a cold we measure our body temperature, we analyze our symptoms, administer over the counter medication, and eventually pay a visit to the doctor’s office. We can mimic similar little steps for our vehicles as well…
- How to check tire pressure
- How to replace wiper blades
- Checking oil levels
- Replace air filters
1. How to check tire pressure
Inflating and maintaining proper tire pressure ensures safer, more comfortable driving and better fuel efficiency.
In order to be able to check your tire pressure you need to keep two items in your car: tire pressure gauge and wipes for cleaning your hand.
Each vehicle comes with a manufacturer recommended tire pressure range. The pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). You can add or release air from the valve stem until your tire’s pressure matches the recommended pressure.
Also, check your vehicle’s tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means the tires should not have been driven on for at least three hours. If you need to drive to get air, try to drive less than a mile
As for a source of air, many gas and service stations have air available for 50 cents or so. Some of these air machines have gauges on them, and if you have no other means of measuring the pressure of your tires, these will work. Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare tire at least once a month
2. How to replace wiper blades
If you get oil change or vehicle maintenance service regularly, then you are probably safe. In contrast, if you are do –it-yourself individual then make sure you have replacement just in case. When you experience one or more of these symptoms then it is time to switch your wiper blades:
- Windshield streaking
- Windshield smearing
- Wiper screeching
- Wiper is brittle with rubber flaking off at the touch
- Wiper is frayed
Bring the arm to a right angle and search out the flap that attaches the wiper in the slot. Either push it in or unlatch it. One way or the other will release the blade and allow you to pull it out. If it poses any difficulty, tug it with pliers. Insert the new wiper and slide it along the slot until you feel or hear it snap into place.
3. How to check oil levels
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle; it keeps many components of your vehicle working efficiently. It is recommended to change the oil every 2 to 3,000 miles, but you can safely drive further as long as you get the oil change done at least every 5,000 miles, including a new filter. You should regularly check your oil level, and maintain it between the minimum and maximum fill lines.
To find out whether your vehicle needs oil, follow these steps:
- Pull out the dip stick and wipe it off on a clean rag
- Insert the stick back in the pipe
- Pull it out and look at the film of oil on the end of the stick
- If the oil level is below the minimum mark, then you need to add oil.
Make sure you check the color of the oil, if it’s brown or black.
4. How to replace air filters
After acquiring the correct replacement filter (similar to the one you are about to replace, by checking the owner’s manual), park the vehicle, open the hood of the vehicle, secure it with the prop rod and follow these steps:
- Locate the air filter unit (usually on top of the engine and the filter box usually has a giant hose sticking out of its side.)
- Remove the air filter cover
- Look inside the folds. See a lot of dirt and gunk? Time to replace it.
- Put in the new air filter, makes sure it sits snuggly in the box, close the top of the box and snap the clips.
These few tips will help you maintain your vehicle, as long as you have some experience on how to diagnose and understand common automotive problems and while doing so you could gain some do-it-yourself experience and save money.
However, doing auto repair yourself could get tricky, dirty and difficult if you haven’t diagnosed the problem properly, hence if you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, don’t. we will be more than happy to diagnose the problem for you and assist you in making your vehicle safe on the road.