In today's era, car is not just a luxury but has become an essential part of our lifestyle. But the biggest challenge after buying a car is its maintenance. Often we run to the mechanic even for small problems like oil checking, air filter cleaning or wiper replacement and pay huge labor charges.
Did you know that a large part of car servicing is so easy that you can do it yourself in your garage or parking lot? Getting regular minor servicing done at home not only saves your hard-earned money, but also gives you better information about the condition of your vehicle. In this article, we will tell you about those 5 tricks, by adopting which you can become the 'doctor' of your car.
1. Regular check of engine oil and filter
Engine oil is the 'blood' of your car. If it becomes dirty or reduces, the engine parts start rubbing against each other, which can cause huge damage. To check this, open the bonnet of the car and remove the 'dipstick'. Wipe it with a clean cloth, put it back in and then take it out and look. By changing oil at home, you can easily save mechanic's service charge of Rs 500 to Rs 1000. Oil level should be between 'minimum' and 'maximum'. If the oil color is dark black and sticky, it is time to change it.
2. Air filter cleaning and replacement
The air filter protects the engine from dust and dirt. If it gets jammed, the mileage of the car starts falling rapidly and the pressure on the engine increases. There is a plastic box near the engine of the car, in which the air filter is installed. Open the clips and take out the filter. If the filter is not very dirty, dust it vigorously or clean it with a vacuum cleaner/air pressure. If it has turned black, buy a new one and install it yourself. With this, the fuel efficiency of your car can increase by 10%.
3. Maintaining coolant and brake fluid levels
Coolant is essential to keep the engine cool and the correct brake fluid is essential for safe driving. Mechanics often charge huge amounts in the name of topping up these fluids. Look at the coolant reserve tank under the bonnet. If the level is low, add coolant and water mixture as per the car manual. Similarly, check the brake fluid container also. Never open the coolant lid when the engine is hot, there is a risk of getting burned by the steam.
4. Cleaning the battery terminals
Often the reason for the car not starting is not the battery's fault, but the 'white layer' (Corrosion) accumulated on its terminals. Mix one spoon of baking soda in one cup of lukewarm water. With the help of an old toothbrush, scrub the battery terminals. After cleaning, apply some Vaseline or grease on them. This increases the life of the battery and you do not need to frequently replace the battery or go to the electrician.
5. Management of wiper blades and tire pressure
Bad wipers can cause accidents during rainy season. Changing them is a very easy task. Lift the wiper arm, press the clip of the old blade, remove it and install the new blade. No tool is required for this. Check tire pressure at least twice a month. When there is less air, tires wear out quickly and mileage is reduced. You can monitor it yourself by purchasing an inexpensive digital pressure gauge.
Our advice: Car maintenance is not rocket science. It will take you only 30 to 45 minutes in a month to do the 5 tasks mentioned above. By taking care of these small things, you will not only avoid long queues and unnecessary expenses at the mechanic, but the resale value of your car will also remain better. So next time you think of servicing, first pick up the toolkit yourself and start taking care of your car, it will save both money and time.