Automotive Repair Tips: Neglecting No. 9 Will Make You Cry

For those who want to acquaint themselves with the basics automotive repair tips, I suggest you take a look at the following automotive repair tips for beginners. Carrying out these vehicle care tips below will help you maintain your vehicle without burning a large hole in your pocket.

1. Refer to the Owner Manual:

The first and foremost guide that will be of great help to you before following any vehicle maintenance tips is the use of your vehicle user manual. Here you will find some important information about your vehicle.

If you are unable to find the hardcopy of this user manual, you may go online and visit your vehicle manufacturer’s website. You are likely to find things like security, child safety, keys and remote control, specifications, fuel and refueling, driving aid, vehicle care, and much more in the user manual.

Your vehicle’s user manual is like a bible if you want to learn everything about your vehicle. You will be surprised to learn that many of the problems that you face, for example changing a flat tire, unlocking a locked door, or even installing a baby seat, can be solved by referring to your vehicle’s user manual.

2. Keep a Check on the Tire Pressure:

Vehicle tires are one of the components that keep your vehicle mobile. Incorrect tire pressure for a prolonged time can reduce your tire life span. It may cause early wear and tear or even tire bursts.

Thus, it is important that the recommended amount of air (or nitrogen) is present in the tires. Nowadays you can use simple, inexpensive devices to check the tire pressure yourself. Use these in addition to visual checks for cracks or objects stuck on the exterior of the tire.

3. Change Oil and Oil Filter:

Your vehicle is nothing but a complex machine that contains multiple small and large parts. Since a vehicle is a machine that can move, it is obvious that multiple moving parts are also involved.

A vehicle cannot run smoothly without a lubricant, it is present to ensure the smooth functioning of these parts. This is where oil and oil filters come into play.

Oil lubricates moving parts and absorbs the heat created due to friction. On the other hand, an oil filter keeps the oil clean and free of contamination.

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How To Change Oil And Oil Filter:

• Refer to your vehicle user manual and locate the oil drain plug of your vehicle and remove the old oil.

• Next, replace the oil plug as shown in the user manual and then remove the oil filter.

• Before installing the new oil filter, you need to lubricate it with the help of fresh oil.

• Now proceed to pour new oil. Make sure that you fill only the required amount of oil that suits your vehicle type.

• Place the cap and power the engine. This will help you identify leaks.

• In case of no leaks, shut off the engine and wait for a few minutes.

• Now check the oil level with the help of a dipstick.

• Add more oil if required.

After prolonged use, oil and oil filters need to be replaced as dust and other contaminants may accumulate hampering the performance of your vehicle’s moving parts. The good news here is that even a beginner can successfully change the oil and oil filter of a vehicle.

4. Look for a Faulty Spark Plug:

Your vehicle will fire up only when you have the spark plug in working condition. The good news is that you can easily judge if the spark plug is faulty or if it is going to put you in a spot anytime soon. So, don’t forget to add this point to your basic automotive repair checklist.

Symptoms Of a Faulty Spark Plug:

• Issues with starting your vehicle: When you have a faulty spark plug you will find yourself struggling to start the vehicle. You will have to turn the key in the ignition a few times before it actually powers the engine.

• Dip in mileage: You will notice that the vehicle’s mileage is dropping even when everything else works just fine. This is when you should consider changing the spark plug.

• Increased noise and vibrations: This is likely to happen when your vehicle is idling.

• Uneven acceleration: If you have a faulty spark plug, you will notice a dip in acceleration. It will be uneven.

5. Keep the Interiors Clean:

It is not necessary that you spend money on vehicle wash every two days. Using a simple vacuum cleaner to keep the interior dust-free can also be helpful. Nowadays, many creative cleaning items are available in the market.

For example, you can use a blob of scented slime to clean tricky places like air vents, the base of a gear stick, or the area under the steering wheel.

6. Carry Out Battery Maintenance:

Learn the basics of a vehicle battery with the help of the owner manual and if necessary, the internet. You should be aware of where your vehicle’s battery is located. Next, you need to understand how to safely disconnect the battery and clean the terminal contacts as required.

Remember to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first. This will effectively cut off the electrical supply and reduce the chances of an accident.

Now clean the contacts with the help of a brush that is safe to use on batteries and reconnect. This time, connect the positive first. Cleaning the battery once in a while will help you prolong its life.

7. Check the Brake Fluid:

A vehicle’s braking system is a complex mechanism. A brake fluid helps in the proper functioning of this system. You can ensure that the brake fluid is not spoilt and is present in sufficient amounts.

Check the level of the fluid present in the braking system using the user manual. Also, check the color of the fluid. If it is dark, you need to replace the braking fluid.

8. Maintain Fuel Economy:

It is an open secret that maintaining a vehicle on a regular basis will help you retain good mileage. Maintaining the fuel economy is also lighter on the pocket. Here are a few general vehicle maintenance tips that will help you to achieve the desired result in terms of fuel and mileage.

• Maintain average speed: Continuous speed fluctuations and rash driving takes a huge toll on the mileage of your vehicle. It decreases the life of your vehicle’s engine in the long run as well. This will result in your vehicle not running smoothly, ending up in a garage more than usual, and so on. Instead, try to maintain an average speed between 40 to 60 kmph.

• Don’t burden your vehicle with heavy weights: Do not use your vehicle frequently for moving heavy objects. Remember, more the weight, lesser the mileage. So, if you own a business that requires you to move heavy objects on a daily basis then consider buying an appropriate vehicle for the purpose. Or else, the mileage of your car is likely to get compromised.

9. Keep the Engine Clean:

The engine is the heart of your vehicle and you need to care for it. While you can do only so much to keep it clean internally (For example, using clean fuel), you should also clean it externally from time to time.

It is important in terms of identifying an area of concern. For example, leaks. Leaks together with dust and debris present on the surface can cause damage to the engine. Thus, use simple engine cleaners to wipe any gunk.

10. Replace the Cabin Air Filter:

If the vehicle’s air conditioning system does seem up to the mark lately, you may have to replace the cabin’s air filter. This will ensure clean flow and proper cooling of the air inside your car. Pertaining to the tropical weather of Nigeria, you may have to change the filter every 6 months.

Refer to the owner manual or contact a trusted mechanic for exact steps to change the cabin air filter. It is usually located under the glove box and can be accessed easily.

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Conclusion:

Remember to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations for specific maintenance intervals. Regular upkeep can extend the life of your vehicle and prevent costly repairs.

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