Let’s face it—cars aren’t cheap. Between fuel, rego, insurance, and the occasional mechanic visit, the costs can pile up. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a qualified mechanic to take good care of your vehicle. A little bit of DIY car maintenance can go a long way in keeping your ride running smoothly and saving you money in the long run.
Whether you’re driving a brand-new set of wheels or holding on to a trusty old car, here are some basic maintenance tasks every car owner should know.
1. Check and Top Up Engine Oil
Your engine oil is like the lifeblood of your car. It keeps all the moving parts lubricated and prevents overheating. Neglect it for too long, and your engine could end up in serious trouble.
What to do:
- Pop the bonnet and locate the dipstick (usually a brightly coloured ring handle).
- Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the oil level.
- If it’s low, top it up with the correct oil grade (check your owner’s manual for guidance).
Tip: Do this every few weeks, especially before a long drive.
2. Keep an Eye on Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres don’t just affect fuel efficiency—they can also be a safety hazard. You’ll wear them out faster and risk poor handling.
How to check:
- Visit your local petrol station with a tyre pressure gauge or use a handheld digital one.
- Check your recommended PSI (usually printed inside the driver’s door frame).
- Inflate or deflate as needed.
Don’t forget to check the spare tyre too. It’s easy to overlook until you really need it.
3. Refill Windshield Washer Fluid
There’s nothing more annoying than a smeared windscreen and no washer fluid to clear it. Luckily, this one’s easy-peasy.
To do:
- Open the bonnet and look for the washer fluid reservoir (often marked with a windscreen icon).
- Fill it with premixed washer fluid or even plain water with a splash of dish soap in a pinch.
Bonus points if you change your wiper blades once a year too—clear visibility is everything.
4. Replace Air Filter
A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The good news? Swapping it out is usually a 5-minute job.
Steps:
- Open the air filter box (usually near the top of the engine).
- Take out the old filter and pop in a new one—it should fit snugly.
It’s generally a good idea to replace the air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 km, but check your manual for specifics.
5. Test Your Battery
If your car has trouble starting, or the headlights dim when you turn the key, your battery could be on its way out.
What you can do:
- Visually inspect for corrosion (white or greenish buildup) on the terminals—clean it gently with an old toothbrush and baking soda solution.
- Make sure the connections are tight.
- If your car’s been sitting for a while, consider investing in a basic battery tester or take it to your local auto shop for a quick check.
6. Check Lights Regularly
It’s easy to forget a headlight or brake light is out—until someone honks or flashes their high beams at you.
Quick tip:
- Park in front of a wall or garage door and test your lights—headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights.
- Replace any blown bulbs. Most are inexpensive and fairly simple to change yourself.
7. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Okay, this might sound a bit more advanced, but you don’t need a degree to spot a cracked or frayed belt.
Here’s how:
- Open the bonnet and take a quick look at the belts and hoses.
- If they look brittle, cracked, or super worn, it’s worth getting them replaced before they snap.
Keeping It Simple, Keeping It Safe
You don’t have to be a car expert to stay on top of the basics. A little DIY maintenance can help prevent major issues, keep your car on the road longer, and help you spot problems early—before they cost a fortune.
Plus, if you’re ever planning to sell or trade in your car, a well-maintained vehicle can fetch a better price (yep, we definitely notice the difference when assessing cars for cash!).
Handy Now, Helpful Later
Whether you’re driving it daily or planning to part ways soon, treating your car well makes life easier. And if you ever decide it’s time to move on, we’re here to make the next step hassle-free—with fast quotes, free removals, and top cash for cars.
Have a question about your car’s value or want to chat about selling? Get in touch—we’re just a call or click away.
If you are in Doveton, Victoria 3177, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
28 Station St, Cranbourne VIC 3977