General car maintenance that you can do at home with no mechanic skills required
General car maintenance can be done at home, even if you don’t have any mechanic skills. There are a number of general car maintenance tasks that you can do at home. These tasks can help to keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Here are a few of the most important tasks that you can do at home:
- Check and top off fluids. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Check your tire pressure and tread. Tires should be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. You should also check the tread depth on your tires regularly. If the tread is less than 1/8 inch deep, the tires need to be replaced.
- Change your air filter. The air filter helps to keep dirt and debris out of your engine. It is recommended to change the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
- Clean your battery terminals. Battery terminals can corrode over time, which can reduce the starting power of your battery. You can clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda paste.
- Check your lights. Make sure that all of your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly.
Here are a few other things that you can do to keep your car in good condition, such as:
- Get your car washed and waxed regularly. This will help to protect the paint from the elements and keep your car looking its best.
- Have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. This will help to identify and fix any potential problems early on.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Here are some additional tips for doing car maintenance at home:
- Always read your car’s owner’s manual before starting any maintenance task.
- Use the correct tools and equipment for the job.
- Be careful not to overtighten or undertighten any bolts or nuts.
- Dispose of used fluids and parts properly.
If you are unsure about how to do a particular maintenance task, it is always best to consult a qualified mechanic.