DIY Car Checks: Keep Your Ride in Tip-Top Shape

Hey, car enthusiasts! Let’s face it: we all love our vehicles, but at times, they can feel like an enigmatic mystery. Strange noises, unexpected warning lights, and an uncomfortable sense that something’s off can be intimidating—but here’s some good news: there’s no need for professional mechanics to keep your car running smoothly!

Numerous basic checks can be performed at home without needing expensive tools. At least every six months is recommended; if you feel particularly adept at cars, feel free to do them more often. Let’s dive in!

Exterior Checks: Your Car’s First Impression

Starting on the exterior, we will address parts of your car that face Michigan’s inclement climate head-on.

Tires Are Key Components for an Enjoyable Ride

Tread Depth: Tire grooves serve more than aesthetic purposes; they help your tires grip the road when wet or snowy conditions arise. Look out for wear bars within these grooves; when your tread wears down to them, it may be time for new tires. Another simple test to determine this could be using an upside-down penny in the tread to check Lincoln’s head; this indicates you need new ones!

Tire Pressure: Have you ever found yourself driving like an unsteady ball? Underinflated tires could be to blame; overinflated ones aren’t any better—they wear out faster and can compromise handling. Regularly check your tire pressure (you can find this information inside your driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual).

Tire Wear: How your tires wear down can reveal much. Worn-out edges could indicate underinflation, while worn-out centers might indicate overinflation. One side deteriorating more rapidly could indicate needing alignment!

Brakes Are Reliable. Here’s How You Can Benefit

Peek at Your Brake Pads: If you can see through your wheels, take a good, hard look at your brake pads. New pads typically measure 12 millimeters thick; consider replacing them when they reach three millimeters thick or when you hear screeching noises indicating metal wear indicator that it may be time for replacements. If any such noises arise, that is an indicator that it’s time for new pads.

Shocks & Struts: Ensuring Smooth Ride

Check for Leaks or Damage: Inspect your shocks and struts visually for leaks or visible damage, such as signs of leaking fluid or visible wear-and-tear. Also, perform the “bounce test,” pushing down on one corner of your car until it bounces back up; if this process repeats itself frequently, it might need replacing soon.

Take a quick peek under the hood: An Overview of the Engine

Now, let’s open up your car and explore its inner workings.

Oil: the Fuel that powers Your Engine

Check Your Dipstick: The dipstick is your go-to method for quick and easy oil level checks. Be sure to position the oil between its two marks; if it drops below one or the other mark, add oil as needed, but be mindful not to overfill! Additionally, please take note of its color: fresh oil should have an amber hue; dark or milky tints indicate it may be time for an oil change.

Regular Oil Changes: The frequency of your oil change depends on your car and driving habits; please refer to your owner’s manual for guidance on this matter.

Keep Your Fluids Full

Brake Fluid: Before driving your car, check for enough brake fluid in its reservoir between “min” and “max.” If it falls below this range, a leak could exist, and a professional should investigate immediately.

Coolant: Coolant is essential in protecting your engine from overheating. Ensure the level in your coolant reservoir falls between “min” and “max.”

Windshield Washer Fluid: Maintaining windshield washer fluid levels should be simple. Refill when needed during Michigan winters to keep windshields clear of grime and dirt.

Filters Are Unsung Heroes

Engine Air Filter: This handy little gadget helps your engine run more efficiently by filtering air from outside. Take a peek and if any part is dirty or clogged up, replace it immediately.

Cabin Air Filter: This filter filters the air you breathe inside your car, filtering out impurities that reduce airflow and lessen the effectiveness of your AC unit. A dirty cabin air filter may reduce airflow and compromise AC performance.

Lights & Wipers: See and Be Seen

Verify Your Lights: Ensure all the lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, are operational.

Check Your Wiper Blades: Cracked or worn-out wiper blades can leave streaks that impair visibility, so if they aren’t clearing your windshield correctly, replacing them with new ones may be worth replacing.

If in Doubt, Bring It In!

These are just basic checks you can perform at home; if any concern arises or something seems unusual or concerning, don’t hesitate to bring your car in for service at Car Guys Auto Center of Fraser. Our expert technicians will diagnose and repair the necessary repairs, so your ride runs safely and smoothly, leaving more time and energy for enjoying life on the open road! We look forward to helping keep your ride in great condition so you can focus on enjoying life behind the wheel!