Post on 10-Jun-2020
THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EASY CAR MAINTENANCE
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THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EASY
CAR MAINTENANCE
THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EASY CAR MAINTENANCE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS03
11
06
16
23
04
13
21
08
19
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Guide Introduction
How to Check Your Brakes
Getting an Oil Change
How to Properly Wash Your Car
Vehicle Service Lights
Familiarize Yourself With the Car Manual
Checking Your Car Battery
Important Tools/Items to Have in Your Car
Checking Your Tires and Alignment
How to Clean Your Engine
How to Negotiate Costs With a Mechanic
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GUIDE INTRODUCTION
However, as a vehicle owner it is crucial that you put just as much time into maintaining your car. This is the only
way to ensure that your vehicle runs optimally for many years to come. Luckily, there are many different steps
you can take to keep your car in good condition, including changing its oil, cleaning its engine and more. Learn
all about the importance of car maintenance with the information provided in our comprehensive and simple
guide.
Many drivers put a great deal of research into the car-buying process. They look into different models, consider different brands and more.
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FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITHTHE CAR MANUAL
Once you have purchased your new vehicle, you should become familiar with the basics of operating the car. The best way to go about this is by reading the accompanying car manual, typically found in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
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Reading your car’s manual can help you answer many questions about your new purchase, including the following:
What is the vehicle’s maintenance schedule? Car manuals inform owners about which service checks they should have conducted at each mileage
threshold.
What are the required fluids? Manuals feature a list of required fluids and the frequency with which they must be changed.
What do the warning lights indicate? Car manuals also feature a list of the indicator lights you may see flashing on your car’s dashboard from
time to time, including check engine and maintenance lights.
What is the car’s warranty? For new car buyers, car manuals inform the car owners about which warranties their vehicles have and
the mileage cutoff points for these warranties.
Perusing your car’s instruction manual allows you to better understand your vehicle, how it works and the additional
benefits you received with the purchase. Additionally, car manuals also explain features you may not have even
known existed for your vehicle.
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GETTING AN OIL CHANGE
Changing the oil in your vehicle regularly is necessary if you want to keep your engine and all its moving parts
running optimally. Failure to get regular oil changes can lead to detrimental results, from lower gas mileage to
engine shutdown.
One of the most important aspects of car maintenance for any vehicle is the oil change.
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Perusing your car’s instruction manual allows you to better understand your vehicle,
how it works and the additional benefits you received with the purchase. Additionally,
car manuals also explain features you may not have even known existed for your vehicle.
Before choosing your oil, make sure you know exactly which type of oil you need for
your vehicle (i.e. 5W-20, 5W-30, etc.). Once you have figured out the viscosity of the
vehicle’s required oil, you can choose the specific type of oil. There are many different
types of oil and each varies in effectiveness depending on the type of car you drive. Oil
types include: Conventional, Synthetic and Synthetic blend.
Oil changes must occur regularly if you want your vehicle to function properly.
Additionally, if you want to get the most out of each oil change, replace the oil filter
as well. Oil filters allow you to get more out of your oil change by removing the larger
contaminants from the oil over time. Typically, mechanics include the oil filter change
in the price of the overall oil change process.
Depending on the type of car you drive and how much oil your engine takes, prices for
oil changes can vary. Usually, oil changes range between $20 and $30. Check with your
local mechanic for more specific oil change pricing.
Oil Change Frequency
Types of Oil
Oil Filters
Oil Change Cost
To learn more about getting an oil change, read the information outlined below.
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CHECKING YOUR TIRES AND ALIGNMENT
Tires are as essential to cars as engines. Tires also need to be aligned in order for a vehicle to handle and function properly.
Tire alignment is the process of aligning a vehicle’s suspension system with the attached tires so that they all
touch the road at the same angle. This allows vehicles to drive straight without pulling to the left or right or
vibrating due to the tires facing in different directions. To find out more about checking your tire alignment, read
the information outlined below.
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Camber wearThe inside/outside of the tire tread is more worn out than the center portion.
FeatheringThe tire tread is smooth on one side and rough on the other.
Toe wearOne side of the tread wears down faster than the other (a sign that the tire is either underinflated or has
not been rotated for an extended period of time).
Tires displaying any of the above types of wear must either be rotated or replaced.
Without regular and proper tire alignment, your
vehicle’s tires will eventually wear out at an uneven
rate, causing structural issues in your tires. The
following are the basic types of wear that can result
from improper alignment procedures:
Tire Alignment Is a Necessity
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Your car keeps pulling to the right or left as you drive.
Your steering wheel vibrates as you drive.
Your tires display uneven wear on the tread.
Your steering wheel is off center whenever the car is heading straight.
One or more of the above indicators are a sure sign you must have your tires aligned and rotated.
Drivers should make sure to align their tires
regularly to avoid unnecessary tire wear and tear.
The following are a few signs that you need to have
your tires professionally rotated and aligned:
When to Get Tires Aligned
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HOW TO CHECK YOUR BRAKESChecking your brakes regularly can be the difference between critical brake failure and a properly functioning vehicle.
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To properly check your brakes, you must have your brake pads routinely inspected for wear and tear. In the event
that your brake pads are worn out, you must have them replaced by professional vehicle experts to ensure your
vehicle continues to operate safely.
Cars with worn-out brake pads require more effort to come to a complete stop. This
can create safety hazards for drivers operating the faulty vehicles. In addition, worn-out
brake pads can cause damage to brake rotors, another critical part of each vehicle’s
braking system that is also extremely costly to replace. By regularly inspecting your
brake pads, you avoid damage to your rotors and a potential hit to your bank account.
Most mechanics recommend drivers have their brake pads checked every six months,
or at the same time they have their tires rotated. The number of times drivers will need
to have their brake pads changed depends on the area they use the vehicle in. Drivers
who operate their vehicles in urban areas where traffic is more prevalent may wear
their brake pads out at a faster rate than drivers operating vehicles in less populated
areas.
Luckily for drivers everywhere, brake pads are designed to give car owners clear signs as
to when they need to be changed. One of the first signs can be found by listening to
your vehicle. If touching the brake pedal while operating the vehicle produces a high-
pitched squealing sound similar to metal scraping against metal, then this is a clear
indication the vehicle needs new brake pads.
Reasons for Checking Brake Pads
When to Check Brake Pads
Signs Your Brake Pads Need Changing
Additional signs of brake pad wear and tear can be seen simply by looking into the wheel well of your car. The
brake pad is visible inside the wheel well on most cars. If the brake pad is less than a quarter inch thick, it most
likely needs to be replaced. Some brake pads even have an indicator located at each pad’s center to give car
owners an idea as to when the pads need changing.
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CHECKING YOUR CAR BATTERYMost drivers only check their car’s battery when there are signs that the battery is not functioning properly. However, mechanics recommend that drivers check their car’s battery at least once a year.
Drivers can either test their car battery on their own at home or have a professional inspect the battery for them
during their regular car maintenance. To check your car battery on your own, purchase a battery tester and refer
to the tester’s instruction manual as well as the manuals for the battery and your vehicle.
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Warning: car batteries contain toxic chemicals (including sulfuric acid) which can cause extreme burns to your skin if not handled properly. Additionally, chemicals in batteries can be highly explosive. It is recommended that you allow professionals to inspect your battery when necessary.
One way that drivers can check both their battery and alternator function is through the headlight test. As the
minimum voltage for the modern car battery (fully charged) is 12.6 volts, a running car will typically operate
anywhere between 13.7 and 14.7 volts. If this voltage reading is lower than 13.7 volts, the car will indicate this
through its performance (drivers with a multimeter tool can measure the current voltage).
The Headlight Test
To test your electrical system with your car headlights, turn on the vehicle and check the headlight against the following scenarios:
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If the headlights are dimmer than normal, then your headlights are more than likely being directly
powered by the battery itself. If revving your engine does not make the headlights brighter, your car’s
alternator is not powering the headlight. This is an indication that the alternator is having a problem
keeping a charge. This can cause issues later on, as the alternator is meant to keep the battery from
having to power all vehicle functions.
If the car’s headlights are dimmer than normal but the lights get brighter when you rev your engine, then
the alternator is able to keep a small current, though not enough to fully charge the car’s battery.
If the car’s headlights are as bright as usual but you are still having electrical issues in the car, then you
may be having issues with your actual battery. In this case, take your car to a mechanic to have your
battery replaced and the rest of your electrical system checked for proper functioning.
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HOW TO PROPERLY WASH YOUR CAR
Buying a new or used car is an exciting time for any car buyer. However, maintaining the car throughout the time you own it takes a little bit of patience and a few keen insights, especially when it comes to keeping your vehicle clean.
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To learn more about how to properly wash your car, read the information outlined below.
When washing your vehicle, make sure that you
do so in a shaded area and not in direct sunlight.
Additionally, choose materials that will not damage
the vehicle’s paint job. These include sponges and
washing mitts that are thick and plush.
Washing Details
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To ensure you get the best cleaning possible, follow the proper washing technique, outlined as follows:
Washing Technique
Start by washing your wheels, wheel wells and tires. As these tend to be the dirtiest
areas, cleaning them first will allow you to wash off any residual dirt later on as you
wash the rest of the vehicle.
Use clean water in a fresh container and add your soap of choice. Make sure to use a
soap that is high in paint-safe lubricants. You should also have a second bucket filled
with clean water to rinse out the dirt of each swipe before dipping your wash cloth
back into the soapy water.
Rinse your vehicle off prior to washing it to get rid of any loose dirt on the car.
Following your wash, dry your car in sections starting with the windows and mirrors.
After drying the outside of your car, move to the inside. Start by wiping down the front
doors and dashboard, making your way to the trunk.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
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HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ENGINE
After washing your vehicle, you may take a step back and admire the cleanliness. However, if you are like most car owners, you probably do not have a completely clean car simply because you did not pay any attention to your engine.
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To ensure that your vehicle runs optimally, clean your engine regularly by following these steps.
Prior to cleaning your engine, remove any dirt and debris from your front grill, car
hood and the openings of your air vents. Additionally, cover everything in the engine
that cannot get wet (i.e. sensors, exposed wires, spark plugs, etc.). You can create a
reasonably water-resistant seal using a plastic bag.
After removing loose debris, you can further loosen the dirt on your engine by turning
the car on and letting it idle for a few minutes. This heats the engine up, allowing for
easy removal of most of the surface grime. Additionally, use this time to remove any
grease from the engine with a proper engine degreaser. Let the degreaser sit for at
least five minutes on dirty engines, allowing the chemicals in the solution to work their
way into the engine gunk.
After degreasing the engine, check that the plastic bags are sealed over the non-
waterproof parts of the engine. Once they are secured, you can wash the engine off
using a garden hose or another water transportation device. Following the wash, allow
your engine to sit idle as you wipe the parts down with a clean towel. The heat from
the running engine will help speed up the drying process while allowing you to catch
any final dirty spots you may have missed during your initial engine wash.
Before Cleaning
Loosen Dirt and Grease
Wash and Dry Engine
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IMPORTANT TOOLS/ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR CAR
Driving in the United States can be fun and convenient as long as you operate your vehicle properly. This includes having the right tools to help you out in any situation on the road.
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To ensure that your next drive is as hassle-free as possible, be sure to keep the following items in your vehicle.
Products such as LifeHammer or a pocket knife provide drivers with options in the
event that they are involved in an accident and find themselves trapped behind a
faulty door. With a window or seat belt safety device, drivers and passengers can break
the car window and/or cut the strap of their seat belt in order to remove themselves
from the car in a timely manner.
Cars have many moving parts that are all connected with screws and bolts. Over time,
these attachments may become loose, requiring some tightening. Having your own
screwdriver set can help you avoid more extreme problems down the line.
Car batteries die for a number of reasons. Many times, this can be fixed by a simple
jumpstart. However, you can only jumpstart your vehicle with a set of jumper cables.
Having cables handy will make it easier to ask another car owner for a jump in the
event your battery dies.
Window/Seat Belt Safety Device
Screwdriver Set
Jumper Cables
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VEHICLE SERVICE LIGHTSMost drivers in the United States have the same initial reaction once they notice that their car’s service light is on: panic.
Located on the dashboard of your car, service lights
come in many forms with accompanying phrases
such as “Service Engine Soon” or “Maintenance
Required.” Regardless of your particular service light,
all service lights indicate that your car needs some
attention. Read on to find out more about what your
service light means.
Each car’s service light is activated by the vehicle’s
computer system when it is triggered by a physical
issue that has arisen in the car. Service engine lights
are typically yellow and do not indicate an emergency.
Rather, service lights indicate to the driver that it is
time for some routine maintenance. Typically, this
may be in the form of an oil change, an oil filter
change or a tire alignment. Some service lights also
turn on when a vehicle is in need of an emissions
check. Peruse your car’s instruction manual for more
information on the specific reasons why your car’s
service light may come on.
Once your service light comes on, it is an indication
that your car needs some sort of maintenance.
However, this required maintenance is typically not
an emergency situation. To turn off your service
light, take your car to a mechanic and have him
or her service your vehicle normally. Following the
inspection, oil change and/or other services, your
mechanic should reset the service light, which will
turn it off until the next time a service is needed. If
you receive your car back from the mechanic and
your service light is still on, ask him or her to reset
the sensor for you. Additionally, you may refer to your
car’s manual for instructions on how to reset the light
as well.
What to Do When a Service Light Comes On
How to Remove a Service Light
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For certain service jobs (i.e. oil change, tire alignment, car part replacement, etc.), this is understandable, as these
processes have a set price that cannot be negotiated. However, more frugal car owners know that there are portions
of certain repair bills that can be negotiated, depending on the vehicle, the type of service and the mechanic.
Prior to paying your mechanic’s bill, ask for a detailed breakdown of the procedures that were conducted so you
can see whether or not there are areas where you can negotiate a lower price. Additionally, not all recommended
services are necessary for your vehicle. Read below for more information on negotiating the cost of your car repair
job.
HOW TO NEGOTIATE COSTS WITH A MECHANIC
Most car owners throughout the country get the repair bill from their mechanic following a service and pay whatever the final price says.
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Depending on the service, there are certain parts of your car repair bill that cannot
be negotiated. For example, any aftermarket parts installed on your car typically have
a set price that the mechanic paid to obtain them, thereby transferring that cost to
you. When these items show up on your bill, be aware that you will have to pay the
associated fees.
During your initial visit to the mechanic, keep in mind that you will be negotiating
charges later. To avoid any unnecessary markups, do not ask questions that allow the
mechanic the opportunity to exploit your lack of knowledge about cars. Questions that
open consumers up for excessive charges include “Am I due for a tune up?” and “What
parts do I need?” among others. By asking these questions, you open yourself up for
mechanics to charge you for parts and services that you do not actually need.
Prior to leaving your car at the mechanic’s shop, make sure you know exactly which
services they will be performing. Allowing mechanics free reign on the types of services
they perform on your vehicle could result in an exorbitantly high bill when you return.
Since mechanic labor rates are typically billed to the car owner by fractions of an hour
(as opposed to the whole hour), you should know both the labor rate and how long it
will take to complete the jobs you requested on your vehicle. By doing the calculations
yourself, you can catch any discrepancies in your final bill.
Non-Negotiables
Do Not Volunteer Lack of Knowledge
Know the Work
Know the Rate
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THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EASY CAR MAINTENANCE