DIY Car Maintenance: Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape
As you know at DeBoer’s we are a full-service auto repair, truck, and fleet shop, we meet customers with varying needs, from complete service maintenance and repairs to those who enjoy doing some of the work themselves. If you're among the DIY enthusiasts, we want to assist you with what maintenance tasks you can tackle to keep your car running smoothly between professional visits. We've got some tips to help you out.
Check Your Fluid Levels
One of the simplest yet most important things you can do is to monitor your car's fluid levels. Fluids are crucial to the health of your vehicle's engine, cooling system, and other major components. By keeping an eye on them, you'll ensure everything stays in good working order until your next scheduled maintenance.
Start by popping the hood and familiarizing yourself with what's inside. Look for your engine oil cap, which typically has the oil grade marked on it. It might also feature a small icon resembling a genie lamp—this indicates where the oil goes. To check your oil, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and pull it out again to see where the oil level falls. If it’s low, consult your local parts store for the correct grade and top it up.
Washer fluid is another easy check. Depending on your vehicle, the washer fluid reservoir might contain blue, yellow, or even clear fluid if it’s a specialty product like Rain-X. Make sure it's full so you can keep your windshield clean and maintain good visibility on the road.
Inspect Your Tires
Proper tire maintenance not only prolongs the life of your tires but also enhances your vehicle's safety and fuel efficiency. Regularly checking your tire pressure is a must. You can find tire pressure gauges and air compressors at most gas stations, though the accuracy may vary. If you have a compressor at home, that’s even better.
To find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, check the label inside the driver’s side door jamb. It will list the recommended pressures for both front and rear tires. Make sure to follow these guidelines for the best performance.
Look at Your Windshield Wipers
Don’t forget about your windshield wipers. If they’re streaking or not clearing the windshield effectively, it’s time for a replacement. Wipers are easy to find at any auto parts store, and most come with instructions on how to install them. Of course, if you need assistance one of our ASE Certified technicians are always happy to help.
These are just a few of the DIY maintenance tasks you can handle on your own. If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact us. You can visit us online for more tips or stop by our shop. We’re here to help you keep your vehicle in top condition, so that you can drive with confidence. Helping people live life uninterrupted.
