Essential Car Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself



We might be over the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of us are still spending more time at home than we used to. Many companies have switched to remote working permanently, and those with health issues might still be cautious of going out and doing the things they used to. So since many of our cars and trucks are not being driven as much as they usually are, this is a great opportunity to take care of them; you're not clocking up many miles on the road for commuting so why not catch up with necessary car maintenance. There are online platforms that offer a top car mechanic service when you're having an issue with how your car runs- but there are plenty of preventative things you can do yourself without much know how. Here are some essential car maintenance tasks you can do yourself. 

CHANGING THE OIL 
Your car's oil is the most important fluid for the engine. Over long periods, the motor oil breaks and becomes less effective. This causes it to lack efficiency since it no longer properly lubricates critical engine components well. This makes it very important to change your engine's oil regularly- for most vehicles, oil is changed every 5000 to 7000 miles. It would be best always to remember to change the oil filter too every time you change the vehicles' oil. Changing the oil can get messy but is something that most people can do with a little research. There are lots of Youtube videos that show you exactly what to do for your car's model.

REPLACE YOUR BELTS 
Modern cars use a serpentine belt to operate engine accessories. In most cases, these belts are said to last 50000 more miles, but since belts lead a hard life, you need to check for any signs of wear or cracking from time to time. The good thing about the serpentine belt is that it can be replaced with a simple wrench and socket.

SWAP YOUR AIR FILTER 
Before the air from outside enters your car's engine, it has to pass through an air filter. This is needed to make sure the air that goes into the engine is clean and free from dust. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with debris and it loses its efficiency. The filter is housed inside the air box, which makes it easy for you to inspect or replace. Replacing your air filter gives you peace of mind and is quick and simple to do. 

ROTATE YOUR TIRES 
Your tires are the only part of your car to connect with the road, so ensuring they're legal and in good condition is so important.. To increase the life span of your tires, it is a good idea for you to rotate them twice a year. You can do this using some stands, jack, and wrench that come with your car. You need to note that some tires are directional. This means that they can be rotated on the same side of the vehicle only. 

Car maintenance is important for any car owner, not only does it allow you to take pride in your vehicle but it can ensure it's safe and legal on the roads.