Car Maintenance: Essential DIY Skills You Should Know
Your car is your trusty steed, your reliable companion on countless adventures. Like any loyal friend, it needs a little TLC to keep taking care of your needs. While regular checkups at the mechanic are crucial, there are a few essential DIY car maintenance skills you need to have in your arsenal. Unfortunately, especially for… View Article
Your car is your trusty steed, your reliable companion on countless adventures. Like any loyal friend, it needs a little TLC to keep taking care of your needs. While regular checkups at the mechanic are crucial, there are a few essential DIY car maintenance skills you need to have in your arsenal.
Unfortunately, especially for new car owners, the world of car maintenance often feels like navigating a maze. You are unsure if you’ll find yourself at the right end. This blog shares essential car maintenance skills you can learn to minimize your maintenance costs.
Let’s get right into it:
1. Checking Tire Pressure and Tread
Tires are one of the most critical parts of your car. Their condition affects your car’s grip on the road, your fuel efficiency, and the performance of your brakes. Over- or under-inflated tires aren’t safe on the road. Underinflated tires increase wear and tear, while overinflated tires can compromise handling. This is why it’s important to ensure they are always in good condition.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month. How do you check your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure? Your car’s recommended tire pressure is usually indicated on the jamb of the vehicle’s driver door. But most cars have a recommended range of 35 to 40 pounds per square inch (PSI).
You should also look out for tread wear or damage to the side walls.
This also means you should know how to change a flat tire. While roadside assistance is readily available in Nairobi, being able to handle a flat yourself will save you time and money. Familiarize yourself with your car’s jack and lug wrench, and keep a spare tire and tire changing kit in your trunk.
2. Checking and Adding Fluids
Various fluids keep your car’s engine, brakes, and other components functioning properly. Regularly check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels. If any fluids are low, top them off with the recommended type and amount. If your coolant levels are low, your engine could overheat. Low engine oil could damage your engine.
You also need to check the quality or condition of the fluids. Without frequent oil changes, dirt and sludge can build up in the fluids and reduce their effectiveness.
You should also be able to replace your air filters to keep your engine breathing properly.
3. Jumpstarting the Car
At some point, you’ll need to jumpstart your car. Batteries die all the time. The good news is that jumpstarting a car is simpler than it sounds. Here’s how to jumpstart your car:
- Step 1: Put both vehicles in neutral and turn off their engines
- Step 2: Attach a red clip to the positive terminal of the battery in your car and the other to the positive battery terminal of the donor car.
- Step 3: Attach the black clip to the other car’s negative battery terminal.
- Step 4: Attach the other black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car.
- Step 5: Start the donor car before turning on yours.
- Step 6: Remove the black clip attached to an unpainted metal surface on your car.
- Step 7: Remove the black clip attached to the donor car.
- Step 8: Remove the positive terminal on the donor car before taking it off yours.
Do not turn your car off until you have driven it for a few minutes.
4. Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
Effective windshield wipers are essential for clear visibility, especially in rainy conditions. Worn-out wiper blades can streak and leave smears, obstructing your view. Replace your wiper blades every six months or sooner if they show signs of wear.
PS: Always buy original wiper blades so you’re not the reason other drivers have to keep an eye on their wipers in traffic jams.
Get Reliable and Affordable Car Repairs and Maintenance Services in Nairobi
A well-maintained car is a happy car, and a happy car means happy journeys. These skills will ensure your car doesn’t let you down when you need it the most.
Even if you do have the car maintenance skills mentioned above, it’s important to know when to call in an expert. Some repair jobs need to be handled by professionals to eliminate the risk of compromising the safety of your car. Attempting repairs for which you aren’t qualified can even cost you more money in the long run.
If you’re looking for reliable car repair and maintenance services you can trust, you should reach out to us today! Keep your car in good running condition with Peach Car Care.