How to Perform Basic Car Maintenance Checks

Taking care of your car is super important. It helps it last longer, keeps you safe, and makes it run better. Checking things regularly can catch problems early. This can save you money later on. This guide will show you how to do some basic checks yourself. You'll get to know your car better, and you'll be in charge of keeping it in good shape. Whether you know a lot about cars or nothing at all, these tips will help!

Why Check Your Car?

Why bother checking your car regularly? Here's why it matters:

• Safety: Checking things like brakes, lights, and tires keeps you safe. You don't want to risk an accident.
• Saving Money: Small problems can turn into big, expensive ones. Catching them early saves you cash.
• Long Life: Taking care of your car makes it last longer. You get more use out of it.
• Better Gas Mileage: A well-maintained car uses less gas. That's good for your wallet!
• Resale Value: A car that's been taken care of is worth more when you sell it.

Easy Car Checks: Step-by-Step

Ready to get started? Here's how to do some important car checks. Always check your car's manual for specific advice about your car.

1. Checking Your Fluids

Think of fluids as your car's lifeblood. They keep everything running smoothly. So, checking them is key.

1. Engine Oil:
   • What it does: Keeps the engine parts moving easily, reduces friction, and cools things down.
   • How to check: Park on level ground and let the engine cool. Find the dipstick (usually bright colored). Pull it out, wipe it clean, stick it back in, and pull it out again. The oil should be between the "min" and "max" lines.
   • What to look for: Low oil, or oil that looks dirty.
   • What to do: Add oil if it's low. Change the oil and filter when your car's manual says to.
2. Coolant (Antifreeze):
   • What it does: Stops the engine from overheating or freezing.
   • How to check: Find the coolant tank (usually clear plastic). Check the level when the engine is cold. It should be between the "min" and "max" lines.
   • What to look for: Low coolant, or leaks around the tank.
   • What to do: Add coolant (mix it 50/50 with water) if it's low. Look for leaks and fix them.
3. Brake Fluid:
   • What it does: Helps you stop the car.
   • How to check: Find the brake fluid tank. Check the level. It should be near the "max" line.
   • What to look for: Low fluid, or fluid that looks dark.
   • What to do: Add brake fluid if it's low. Never use brake fluid from an old opened container. It will not work and can make your car not stop. Also, low brake fluid might mean a leak. This is serious. Get it checkedimmediately. Do not drive the car.
4. Power Steering Fluid:
   • What it does: Makes it easier to turn the wheel.
   • How to check: Find the power steering fluid tank. Check the level. It should be between the "min" and "max" lines.
   • What to look for: Low fluid, or a whining noise when you turn the wheel.
   • What to do: Add fluid if it's low. Look for leaks and fix them.
5. Windshield Washer Fluid:
   • What it does: Cleans the windshield so you can see.
   • How to check: Find the washer fluid tank. Check the level.
   • What to look for: Low fluid.
   • What to do: Add fluid as needed.
6. Transmission Fluid (Automatic):
   • What it does: Helps the gears shift smoothly.
   • How to check: This is different for each car. Some have a dipstick. Others need a special check. Check your car's manual. Usually, you check it with the engine running and in park.
   • What to look for: Low fluid, or fluid that smells burnt.
   • What to do: Add fluid if it's low. If it smells burnt, get it checked by a professional.

2. Checking Your Tires

Your tires are what keep you on the road. Keep them in good shape!

1. Tire Pressure:
   • How to check: Use a tire pressure gauge. Check the sticker on your driver's side door for the right pressure (PSI). Check when the tires are cold.
   • What to look for: Tires that are too low or too high.
   • What to do: Add or remove air to get to the right pressure.
2. Tire Tread:
   • How to check: Use a tread depth gauge. Or, try the penny test. Put a penny upside down in the tread. If you see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is too low.
   • What to look for: Worn tread, or uneven wear.
   • What to do: Replace tires if the tread is worn. Rotate tires if they're wearing unevenly.
3. Tire Condition:
   • How to check: Look for cuts, bumps, or damage on the tire.
   • What to look for: Any damage.
   • What to do: Replace damaged tires right away.

3. Checking Your Lights

Good lights keep you safe, especially at night.

1. Headlights:
   • How to check: Turn them on and check both high and low beams.
   • What to look for: Bulbs that are out, or lights that are dim.
   • What to do: Replace bulbs. If the lights are dim, get the electrical system checked.
2. Taillights and Brake Lights:
   • How to check: Have someone help you check them while you press the brake.
   • What to look for: Bulbs that are out.
   • What to do: Replace bulbs.
3. Turn Signals:
   • How to check: Turn them on and check that they flash on both sides.
   • What to look for: Bulbs that are out, or rapid flashing.
   • What to do: Replace bulbs.
4. Parking Lights and Hazard Lights:
   • How to check: Turn them on and check that they work.
   • What to look for: Bulbs that are out.
   • What to do: Replace bulbs.

4. Checking Your Wipers

Wipers keep your windshield clear in bad weather.

1. Wiper Blade Condition:
   • How to check: Look for cracks or tears. Run your finger along the edge (carefully!) to check for damage.
   • What to look for: Damaged blades.
   • What to do: Replace damaged blades.
2. Wiping Performance:
   • How to check: Spray the windshield and turn on the wipers. Look for streaks.
   • What to look for: Streaking or skipping.
   • What to do: Replace blades if they don't wipe cleanly.

5. Checking the Battery

The battery starts your car.

1. Battery Terminals:
   • How to check: Look for corrosion (white or green stuff) on the terminals.
   • What to look for: Corrosion.
   • What to do: Clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda/water. Wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Battery Cables:
   • How to check: Look for damaged cables or loose connections.
   • What to look for: Damage or loose connections.
   • What to do: Tighten connections and replace damaged cables.
3. Battery Voltage:
   • How to check: Use a multimeter. A full battery should read about 12.6 volts.
   • What to look for: Low voltage.
   • What to do: Get the battery tested if the voltage is low. You might need to charge or replace it.

6. Checking Belts and Hoses

Belts and hoses help the engine run.

1. Belts:
   • How to check: Look for cracks or fraying. Press on the belt. It shouldn't move too much.
   • What to look for: Damage or too much movement.
   • What to do: Replace damaged belts. Adjust the tension if needed.
2. Hoses:
   • How to check: Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Squeeze the hoses. They shouldn't be too soft or too hard.
   • What to look for: Damage or leaks.
   • What to do: Replace damaged hoses.

When to Call a Pro

Some problems are too big to handle yourself. Call a mechanic if you notice:

• Weird Noises: Clunking, grinding, or squealing.
• Warning Lights: If the check engine light comes on.
• Leaks: If you see fluids leaking under the car.
• Brake Problems: Spongy brakes or unusual noises when braking.
• Steering Problems: If it's hard to steer, or the car pulls to one side.

Keep Records!

Write down when you check your car. This helps you see patterns and keep track of what's been done. It's also good if you sell the car later.

The Bottom Line

Checking your car regularly keeps it running well and keeps you safe. It can save you money and make your car last longer. Use this guide and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! You can take care of your car!