3 Maintenance Items Every Motorist Should Know How To Perform
January 19th, 2010 by admin3 Maintenance Items Every Motorist Should Know How To Perform
We take our cars for granted. When they’re performing to our expectations, we assume they always will and are surprised when they don’t. In many cases, when our vehicles leave us stranded, it’s due to things we could have easily prevented if we would have only invested a few minutes on basic maintenance.
Aside from mildly intensive repair jobs, such as replacing your brake pads, alternator, or fuel pump, there are several important things many drivers never learn to do. Below, I’ll describe three automotive maintenance items you should be able to perform instinctively.
#1 – Jumpstarting Your Vehicle
Technically, jumpstarting your car isn’t considered a maintenance item. However, because it involves your battery (arguably, an indispensable component), it’s worth learning to do properly.
First, just because your engine fails to crank when you turn the key does not necessarily mean your battery is dead. Test your headlights. If they are as bright as ever, your battery is unlikely to be the culprit.
Assuming you have identified the battery as the problem, and have convinced someone to help you jumpstart your car, you’ll need to attach the jumper cables properly. Attach one of the red connectors to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Attach the other end of the cable to the positive terminal on the jump car’s battery. Then, attach one of the black connectors to the negative terminal on the jump car’s unit. Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on your vehicle (for example, the engine block).
Crank the engine of the jump car. Then, start your vehicle. Let both vehicles idle for a minute before removing your jumper cables. Drive 20 to 25 minutes to fully recharge your battery.
#2 – Changing A Flat Tire
Tires are more durable today than they were a decade ago. However, chances are, you will be forced to change one someday. You might experience a violent blowout or run over a sharp object that slowly causes a flat. You should be able to change a tire quickly and safely.
You likely have a jack and lug wrench packed in the trunk with your spare. Before raising your automobile, use the wrench to loosen the lugs. Don’t remove them; just loosen them. Then, make sure you’re parked on a level surface and raise your car on the jack. Remove the lugs and take off the tire.
Install the spare, replace the lugs, and tighten them with your hands to the point they feel secure. Lower your vehicle and use the wrench to tighten the lugs further. Keep in mind that spares are only meant to be driven a few miles. Have it replaced with a standard tire as soon as possible.
#3 – Checking The Oil Level
The health of your vehicle’s engine depends on oil for lubrication. During operation, the moving parts of your engine create friction and intense heat. If your oil level is low, your engine will overheat, causing severe (and expensive) damage.
Checking the oil level is simple. Crank the engine and let it idle for a minute. Then, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it, and pull it out again. You’ll see a marking that represents a normal oil level. If the actual level is below the marking, replenish it. If it is significantly below, have a mechanic check for leaks.
The three maintenance-related items described above are easy to perform. And that’s the reason it is surprising that so many motorists never learn to do them properly. Take the time to learn how to jumpstart your car, change a flat tire, and check your oil. You’ll find that the skills will likely come in handy one day.
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