Maintaining your car is one of the most crucial things on which you can never bail out. The great thing is that you don’t always need long hours and a professional mechanic for your auto repairs.
There are a few routine car maintenance tasks that you can easily do at home in a short time, even if you are not an expert on automobiles. Performing basic repairs at home not only saves you time and money but also enhances your knowledge about your car.
Replacing air filters, changing windshield wipers, and checking and topping fluids are some of these easy car handling tasks that take less than an hour to perform.
So, are you ready to learn the top five car servicing tasks that you can perform in under an hour?
1. Air Filter Replacement
One of the easiest tasks you can perform in accordance with the upkeep of your vehicle is replacing its air filters. A clean air filter is essential for your engine’s efficiency and longevity.
Most air filters are located near the top of the engine, inside a plastic box. You can get there by unscrewing the lid. To perform this task, you need a basic screwdriver. Even if you are a beginner, you will come out as a champion at this task.
Changing air filters is easy and generally takes only 10 to 15 minutes. So, there is no need to rush. Once you are done, you will see a significant improvement in the performance of your car.
Easy Steps To Replace Air Filters
- Find the air filter box in your engine.
- Unscrew the box to open it.
- Take out the old filter and replace it with a new one.
- Place the box cover securely.
2. Changing Windshield Wipers
A clear windscreen is a necessity to have a clear vision of the road ahead and for your safety. Windshield wipers maintain your clear vision in all kinds of weather conditions. However, if they have worn out, they can do more harm than good.
The good news is that changing them is super easy, and you do not need to spend money to get the job done. The job requires no tools and no expertise whatsoever.
All you need to do is buy new wipers compatible with your vehicle. You can find them at any auto parts store, and by following the steps mentioned below, you can complete the task in just 10 minutes.
Simple Steps For Changing Windshield Wipers
- Raise the wiper arms out of the way of the windshield.
- Press the tiny tab located on the blade’s underside to attach the wiper blade to the wiper arm.
- Gently remove the old wiper blade.
- Slide the replacement wiper blade in until you hear a click, aligning it with the arm.
3. Checking and Refilling Fluids
Your vehicle relies on many fluids for smooth operation. From the engine to the brake pads, fluids like engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are required to keep your ride in excellent shape.
If you ignore your vehicle’s low fluid levels, it could lead to costly and significant issues.
However, you can avoid the worst by keeping a regular check on your car’s fluids and replacing them when required. Make a habit of checking for every fluid once a month. It will take only 20 to 30 minutes of your time. All you need is a funnel, a flashlight, rags, and beginner to intermediate skills to perform the task.
Easy Steps For Changing Different Car Fluids
- The first step is to ensure the engine is cool. Do not perform the fluid change if the engine or hood of your car feels hot.
- To check the engine oil level, remove the dipstick, clean it, and then insert again. Read the markings and refill them if needed.
- Check the coolant level in the reservoir. If it’s low, add more.
- Examine the brake fluid reservoir. Refill to the desired level, if required.
- Examine the windshield reservoir for washer fluid level. Add washer fluid as needed.
4. Rotating The Tires
The next task is rotating the tires, which might require an intermediate level of skill to perform. Rotating the tires of your car will ensure their surfaces are even. This not only extends their life but also improves the overall fuel efficiency of your ride.
Performing this task will take around 30 to 40 minutes. You will also need tools like a jag, lug wrench, and wheel chocks. With some physical effort and a bit of patience, you will emerge victorious.
Easy Steps to Rotate Your Car Tires
- Loose the lug nuts on each tire.
- Lift your ride with the help of a jack.
- Position the wheel chocks behind the tires.
- Take off the tires and place them in their new positions. Check your car’s owner’s manual to know about the pattern.
- Tighten the lug nuts with hands before lowering your car safely.
- Now use the lug wrench to secure all the lugs properly.
5. Brake Pads Replacement
For smooth and safe operation of your ride, another crucial regular maintenance task that you need to perform is replacing the brake pads. This is a bit more advanced and requires an intermediate to advanced skill level. If you think you cannot do it, have a professional take care of it. However, if you want to learn to perform it, you need a jack, lug wrench, C-clamp, socket set, new brake pads, and someone with excellent mechanical skills to guide you.
Replacing brake pads can take an hour of time or even more, depending on your familiarity with the process. Be patient, and do not push too hard. Performing this task at home is highly cost-effective and essential for your safety.
Simple Steps For Replacing Brake Pads
- Loosen the lug nuts.
- Use a jack to lift the car.
- Remove the wheel to reach to the brake calipers.
- Slide the caliper off the rotor by unscrewing it.
- Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston after removing the old brake pads.
- Replace the old brake pads with the new ones, and put the caliper back together.
- Reattach the wheels and lower the automobile.
With the right guidance and supervision, you can perform the five easiest car-upkeep tasks at home. If you learn these simple tasks, you will save significantly on your trips to the mechanic and become more aware of your ride’s condition. Thus, follow these simple yet effective car maintenance tips and take a step towards becoming an auto wizard.
