Having a car can make life a lot easier. It can give you peace of mind, help improve your quality of life, and offer you the freedom to travel whenever you want. For some, it might be a hobby while for others a car is seen as a sign of status. Today, owning a car has become quite common to the point where some people have more than one car!
While it is extremely convenient to own a car, maintaining your car is an important part of being a responsible driver. DIY car maintenance tasks are not only easy to perform, but can also save you money and keep your vehicle in top condition.
To help you keep track of your car maintenance routines, here are 5 DIY car maintenance tasks that every driver should do!
1) Giving your car a good wash
Giving your car a good wash (both inside and out!) is an important part of car maintenance as it can help keep the car in better condition. Washing not only helps remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the car surface but can also help protect the paint from fading and rust damage. Keeping the interior clean is just as important – regular vacuuming and wiping of interior surfaces can help keep your car looking its best.
2) Changing your engine oil
Changing your engine oil is a critical step in car maintenance that should be done regularly to ensure your car’s longevity. Oil lubricates the engine components, allowing them to move freely without friction and heat buildup which could cause damage. It’s recommended to check your car’s oil level before every long trip and get an oil change at least once a year.
We recommend using BHPetrol’s SynGard engine oil for optimal performance! SynGard engine oils have been meticulously formulated with advanced US additive technology to suit all types and makes of automotive vehicles, so that you can enjoy superb protection, power, and performance whatever the terrain or conditions.
3) Changing your coolant
Changing your coolant is another car maintenance task that should be done regularly to keep your car running as it should. Coolant helps regulate the engine temperature, cooling down any parts that may be running too hot. It’s important to check your car’s coolant level regularly and top off as needed to avoid any engine damage due to over-heating.
You need to change your coolant about every 40,000km or about every five oil changes. Luckily, this is a job you can do yourself; all you need is an air compressor and hose, a socket, a 4-in-1 screwdriver, and a wrench.
4) Restoring your headlamps
Photo credits: Pro Tool Reviews
Restoring your headlamps is essential for safe driving, especially in low light conditions. Over time, car headlights can become foggy or yellowed due to UV exposure and road debris.
To restore your car headlights, you can use a car headlight restoration kit which includes the cleaning solution and associated cleaning items) that can leave your headlights looking brand new. If you’re on a tight budget, you can use toothpaste and/or car polish —while it won’t be as effective, your headlamps will still look so much better than before!
5) Changing your wipers
Photo credits: Wrench
Changing your wipers is an important car maintenance task that every driver should do regularly. Wipers are responsible for keeping the windshield clear of rain and dirt which can impair your vision, so it’s important to check them often and replace them when they start to leave streaks or smears. Wipers also wear out with regular use, so it’s a good idea to replace them every 6 months.
Wipers are not expensive and in most cases just need to be clipped in place. However, be sure to measure your existing wipers before purchasing a new set. The wrong size can affect how your wipers work and how much of your windshield area can be cleaned.
There you have it, 5 DIY car maintenance tasks that every driver should do! These car maintenance tasks are all easy to do yourself and can help keep your car running reliably for many years to come. By taking the time to do these car maintenance tasks regularly, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle in the long run!
