Do it yourself: car maintenance
Administrator
posted this
19 March 2019
We have repeatedly written about the importance of car maintenance. Examining and constant care of electronic and technical nodes of a car will provide you with reliable and durable transport for years. But to carry out any work at service stations is expensive, and some things you can do yourself. Vehicle maintenance tips are essential for every car owner. Understanding your car’s systems not only saves money but also increases your confidence and safety on the road.
At inCarDoc, we emphasize the importance of car maintenance as we offer our users to check car for DTC, save the history of diagnostics and have a useful feature where our users can make notes about routine maintenance of car. So in this article, we put together useful car care tips that aim to improve your vehicle inspection experience.
Checking fluid levels and oil changes
Among a number of vehicle maintenance tips, the easiest thing drivers can do themselves is to check the level and replace the oil. Regularly checking oil and fluid levels is the backbone of car treatment. To check the oil level, use the dipstick and pull it out, wipe clean, reinsert, and pull out again to check the level and condition (should be amber, not black). It is crucial to drain the old oil and renew it. You need to replace the engine oil every few months or after long journeys. Replacement of air filter is required less often, and we will talk about this separately.
In addition to replacing the oil, it is important to restore the level of antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid in time. Also, avoid mixing brake fluid or coolant of different types.
| Fluid type | How to check | When to replace | Mixing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Use the dipstick | Every 1–2 months | No |
| Coolant | Reservoir with level markers | Every month | OK |
| Transmission | Use the dipstick | Once a year | OK |
| Brake | Reservoir with level markers | If braking feels different. | No |
| Power Steering | Reservoir with level markers | Once a year | No |
| Windscreen washer | Reservoir with level markers | Depends on use | Ok |
Filters: Air and Oil
One of the simplest tasks in car maintenance tips for beginners i that almost any car owner can do is clean or replace car filters. Air and oil filters are consumable and can be periodically changed. However, if the car is operated daily & in predominantly heavily dusty and polluted conditions, frequent replacement of filters can irritate and cause additional costs. Replacement of air, oil or cabin air filter will not cause difficulties. To understand that you need to replace the air filter, remove it and hold it up to the light. If the filter doesn’t pass, relatively speaking, more than 70% of the light, it's time to replace it.
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Replace Air filter: Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If more than 70% of the light is blocked - replace it. A clean air filter ensures optimal airflow, improving fuel efficiency and engine performance. On the average, replacement is required every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (ca. 24,140 km - 48,280 km) or once a year.
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Replace Oil filter: Do it regularly when you change your oil. The oil filter traps dirt and metal particles from the oil, protecting your engine from damage. Choose a filter that matches your vehicle specifications, and always double-check for any leaks after installation.
Additionally, don't forget about the cabin air filter, which affects the quality of air inside your car. Replacing it regularly keeps allergens, dust, and pollutants at bay, improving comfort for passengers.
Windscreen wipers
Another operation that you can do yourself — is to replace the wipers on the windscreen and rear windows. The only thing during the replacement, clear the glass with a special chemical, clean the space between the windshield and the hood from dirt, leaves and other debris. Wipers should be replaced when streaking occurs. Types of wipers include frame, beam, and hybrid blades. Clean the windscreen and wiper arm area to extend blade life. Replacing wipers involves lifting the arm, detaching the old blade, and snapping in the new one securely.
Lights: Headlights, turn signals, parking, and brake lights
This is a more difficult task, but you can also cope with it. Depending on many factors, such as lighting, material and manufacturer, the range in cost of new headlights is huge. It is advisable to use the original manufacturer's headlights, they do not require frequent replacement, although their prices skyrocketed. The use of cheap analogues reduces the quality and perhaps not quite adapted well to the model of your car, resulting in gaps.
Sometimes check all light: headlights, high beams, turn signals, parking lights, brake lights, rear fog lights, and licence plate lights. Immediately replace any defective bulbs with bulbs that are compatible with the specifications of your vehicle. Additionally, cleanse the lenses regularly to ensure that they remain at their optimal brightness. Drivers can use headlight restoration kits for cloudy or yellowed lenses to restore clarity and brightness. When changing bulbs, wear gloves or use a cloth to avoid getting oils from your skin on the bulb’s surface.
Batteries
A robust battery is vital for your car’s operation and is a critical part of car maintenance tips for beginners. It is designed to power electrical equipment in the event of an engine failure or at low rpm, and when the power supply to the generator is insufficient. Regular battery charge check is important for drivers. The battery charge rate depends on the capacity and type of charge (constant current or constant voltage). A healthy battery should read around 12.8-12.6 volts when the engine off (discharged battery has 12.0 volts). One of the best preventative maintenance for cars is to clean battery terminals and inspect for corrosion and leaks, which can hinder performance and prevent the car from starting. Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean corrosion, and ensure connections are tight and secure. Modern fuel cars offer lead-acid batteries: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery). There are no actual recommendations for replacing a car battery. This can be done every 3, 5 or more years. It all depends on what conditions and how often the car was used and how it was looked after.
Charging
The process of charging lead-acid car batteries involves: the use of chargers, for example:
1) Current chargers (slow, constant charge - 2–10 amperes)
2) Smart/automatic chargers (adjust charging speed depending on battery needs)
3) Fast Chargers (20 amperes+)
Slow charge is more useful and safe for batteries. To connect and charge the car, you need to sludge certain instructions. First, determine the polarity of the battery. Then connect the RED (+) charger clamp to the battery terminal and the following BLACK (-).
Voltage control
Voltage regulation is essential for battery health. Regular voltage checks can identify potential problems before failure. Insufficient charging (< 12.4V) can lead to salvation and reduced capacity. Recharging (> 14.7V in series) can cause excessive heat and water loss in traditional batteries.
Tires inspection
Tires impact safety, comfort, handling, and fuel economy, making them one of the most important components in vehicle maintenance tips. Measure tread depth regularly with a gauge; the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but for optimal safety, replace tires when the tread depth drops below 3 mm. Adequate tread ensures effective grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips, referring to the specifications in your vehicle manual. Change them according to the recommendations or when the tread wears out. On newer cars, the recommended tire pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Besides, the pressure in the tires changed with the weather. The pressure in the tires also depends on the load level of the car. The more it is loaded, the higher the indicators will be. The pressure recommendations depend on the size and type of the tire. The general follow-up rules are:
- 0.2 BAR - 2.9 PSI - recommended increase in front tire pressure when running at continuous maximum speed
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2.3 BAR - 33.4 PSI - recommended front tire pressure
- 2.5 BAR - 36.3 PSI - recommended rear tire pressure
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2.9 BAR - 42.31 PSI - recommended rear tire pressure
Rotate your tires every 10,000 km to promote even wear across all wheels. Swap between summer and winter sets as seasons change, and store off-season tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Monitor wear patterns closely; uneven wear can signal alignment or suspension issues. Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or foreign objects, and be aware that extreme temperatures affect both tire pressure and rubber integrity.
Car Component Replacement Schedule
| Component | When to Replace | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Every 40,000-50,000 miles (3-5 years) you might need a new (but replace between summer/winter seasons) | Tread depth below 2/32" (use penny test), cracking, bulging, uneven wear |
| Fuel Car Batteries | Every 3-5 years | Slow engine cranking, dim lights, electrical issues, battery warning light, swollen case |
| Lights | When burned out | Dim light, flickering, complete failure |
| Windscreen Wipers | Every 6-12 months | Streaking, skipping, squeaking, split rubber |
| Air Filter | Every 15,000-30,000 miles (1-3 years) | Reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, unusual engine sounds |
| Oil Filter | With every oil change (3,000-10,000 miles) | N/A (changed preventatively) |
| Shock Absorbers & Struts | Every 50,000-100,000 miles | Excessive bouncing, nose-diving when braking, uneven tire wear, fluid leaks, knocking sounds |
| Spark Plugs | Standard: 30,000-50,000 miles; Platinum/Iridium: 60,000-120,000 miles | Hard starting, rough idling, engine misfires, reduced fuel economy, acceleration issues |
| Drive Belts | Every 60,000-100,000 miles | Squealing, visible cracks, glazing, fraying edges, belt chunks missing |
| Differentials | Fluid change: 30,000-60,000 miles; Rebuild: 150,000+ miles | Whining/howling noises, vibration, grinding when turning |
| Brake System | Pads: 30,000-70,000 miles; Rotors: 50,000-70,000 miles; Fluid: Every 2 years | Squealing/grinding noises, pulsation when braking, longer stopping distance, brake warning light |
| Cooling System | Flush/refill: Every 30,000-50,000 miles; Hoses/components: 60,000-100,000 miles | Overheating, coolant leaks, sweet smell, visible rust in coolant |
Cleaning and washing
A clean car not only looks good but lasts longer. Wash regularly, including the undercarriage, to prevent rust. Apply wax after each wash to protect paint, improve appearance, and repel water. Clean interior surfaces, vacuum carpets, and condition leather where applicable. This step is essential for those learning how to take care of your car and ensures long-term value retention.
Seasonal preparation
For vehicles not in regular use: wash and wax thoroughly, inflate tires to prevent flat spots, disconnect the battery or use a maintenance charger, and cover the vehicle with a breathable cover. Add fuel stabilizer and periodically start the engine. This process prevents degradation and ensures readiness when needed. It's an essential part of understanding how to do maintenance on a car, especially when preparing it for long-term storage.
Storing infrequently used cars
For vehicles not in regular use: wash and wax thoroughly, inflate tires to prevent flat spots, disconnect the battery or use a maintenance charger, and cover the vehicle with a breathable cover. Add fuel stabilizer and periodically start the engine. This car maintenance advice helps prevent degradation and ensures readiness when needed.
Doing your own car maintenance with inCarDoc app
Use the inCarDoc app to easily scan your vehicle’s OBD system directly via your smartphone. The app offers a wide range of features, including error reports, the ability to clear diagnostic trouble codes, and guides for repairing issues. It helps you understand what car maintenance needs to be done by providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s condition and suggesting necessary repairs.
The app not only helps with identifying current problems but also educates you on how to prevent future ones by highlighting areas that require attention. With step-by-step instructions, inCarDoc makes it easier to stay on top of your car’s health and avoid costly repairs down the road. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, this tool is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle effectively and efficiently.
Stay proactive to avoid costly repairs. Regular checks—from oil to wipers and everything in between—are essential car care tips that ensure your vehicle stays in top condition. Use these tips to maintain safety and extend your vehicle’s life. With inCarDoc, you’ll receive expert car maintenance advice, understand exactly what car maintenance needs, and learn how to keep up with car maintenance in every season, so your car is always ready for the road.
