Car maintenance is critical in ensuring the vehicle is always at its peak performance. It is challenging to depend on a car that breaks down at the most unexpected moment. Of course, it is essential to understand that cars today are more sophisticated and technologically advanced, making it intimidating to tinker with a car with unfamiliar parts.
Still, it is essential to learn the maintenance work you can do and what maintenance or issues only professionals should perform and handle.
Maintenance work you can do yourself
Taking your car to a mechanic for minor problems is costly. You will likely encounter minor issues you can fix on your own, even if you don’t have advanced skills or knowledge. Most mechanics encourage their clients to do DIY maintenance as long as the tasks are minor and will not affect the vehicle’s running performance.
1. Applying bed liner
If you can follow instructions explicitly, you can easily apply bed liner using spray-on liners or a roller or brush to apply a protective bed liner from a can.
2. Changing engine and cabin air filters
Filters trap dirt, debris, allergens, and other pollutants to ensure that these particles do not enter the engine and the cabin.
3. Replacing windshield wiper
The rubber wiper blades crack and break over time, leaving streaks on the windshield. A clip holds the blade, so it is easy to remove and snap a new one.
4. Engine oil check, including other fluids
The vehicle has dipsticks to check engine oil and power steering fluid level. The different liquids are in containers with level markings, so you can easily see if you need to add more to reach the required level.
5. Changing flat tires
All drivers should know this fundamental skill. If you find yourself with flat tires in an area with no gas station or people to help, you can change the tires yourself and get back on the road.
Maintenance work you should entrust to professionals
Modern cars are equipped with computers, which require specific diagnostic equipment to identify what is wrong with the vehicle. Most of the parts are sealed or difficult to access. Moreover, some maintenance work requires the expertise and knowledge of trained mechanics. Here are some of them.
1. Engine diagnostics
A computer typically controls most of the modern car’s parts, so there are codes when running engine diagnostics that only professional mechanics understand.
2. Tire rotation
Although you can do tire rotation on your own, there is a specific equipment that checks the tires’ balance. Professional mechanics can likewise check the tires for uneven wear, tread, and sidewall damage.
3. Filling up of air conditioning system
The air conditioning system of a car is sealed, and only a professional can determine if it needs Freon or if there is a leak somewhere.
4. Repair of car suspension
The car suspension plays a significant role in ensuring your vehicle’s safety. When replacing them, the mechanic has to consider their alignment specifications with specific tools.
Professional mechanics invest in sophisticated equipment to handle complex issues with the car. But remember that you can work on minor issues to keep your vehicle running.
Also read: Different Methods to Hotwire a Car Easily and Quickly
