Car maintenance tips you should know
These basic car maintenance tips are very important to make your car last longer.
Problem solved, reviewed
- Learn the tools you need to start maintaining your own cars
- Understand the nuances of different types of wrenches and their functions
If you want to maintain your car yourself, you need the right gear. There’s no one-size-fits-all tool, so you’ll need a checklist of what you need.
You may already have simple hand tools, such as screwdriver sets, sockets, and wrenches. More advanced power tools can be useful and make your job easier if you know how to use them.
Here we will discuss the essential tools you need to perform your own car maintenance.
Start with basic tools
Everyone should have a simple toolset with basic tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, and hammer. No matter how big or small your project, these basic tools will always come in handy.
Car maintenance will get your hands dirty, so consider bringing work gloves. Nitrile gloves are the most effective and are the type worn by many mechanics. Portable work lights allow you to better see your vehicle’s components and greatly improve visibility.
Wrench suitable for various scenes
There are many types of wrenches, and it may be difficult to remember them all. It’s always useful to have the standard wrench that comes with your tool set, but you’ll also need specialized wrenches.
A ratchet is a type of wrench used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts of various socket sizes made for the tool. A torque wrench is used to apply a specific torque to a nut or bolt. A breaker bar is also a type of non-ratcheting wrench that can loosen very tight nuts or nuts that are stuck in place. Adding an extension bar to your wrench allows you to access bolts in hard-to-reach places.
You can never have too many wrenches, but these three different types are a great starting point for doing your own maintenance.
Wide variety of sockets available
A set of sockets of various sizes is perfect for pairing with a wrench. The average set includes socket and ratchet wrenches in various sizes. A small set may contain about 10 sockets, while a large set may contain 100 or more sockets.
Please make sure the measurements are correct before choosing your set. If you have a car made in the United States, use SAE measurements, and if you have a car made in another country, you may need metric measurements for the socket.
Tools for diagnostic testing
You will need an OBD-II scanner to digitally read any problems your car may have.
Plug your device into the OBD port and press the button on the screen to scan your vehicle and it will report any issues. If there is a problem, the device will notify you of the error code it receives. Scanners don’t solve problems, but they tell you what you need to work on.
car battery maintenance
If the battery is not working, you will not be able to turn on the vehicle.
With proper maintenance, batteries can last for many years, depending on the model. You can use a multimeter to test your battery voltage to ensure it is operating at optimal levels. A battery jump starter is a must-have in emergencies, as it allows you to restart your car if your battery dies.
Get a good jack to lift your car
To work on tires or access under your car, you’ll need a floor jack to lift your car and jack stands to safely support your car while you lift it.
Make sure the jack you choose can support the weight of your vehicle. If your car weighs 4,000 pounds, get a jack that can support a little more weight for added stability. Always use jack stands when working under a car.
What you need for an oil change
If not done properly, changing your oil can be a hassle for both you and your car. Changing your own oil may sound scary, but it’s much easier with the right tools.
It’s important to make sure you’re using the recommended oil for your car. If you’re not sure which type you need, check online or your owner’s manual. An oil drain pan and funnel to catch the old oil that drains from the engine, and a mechanic creeper like a sled that rotates so you can easily get under the car are all very important.
Oil catch containers can be used for recycling at auto parts stores that accept used oil. Filters can be difficult to remove, so an oil filter wrench is very helpful in loosening and removing the filter and tightening the new filter. Changing your oil yourself saves you money and you don’t have to purchase other services like you would at an oil change shop.
Tire care
For wheels, you will need some tools. If you’re replacing a tire, a lug wrench or tire iron are the best tools to loosen the lug nuts.
When changing tires, you want to keep your car in place with wheel chocks. These are placed behind unworked tires to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. To inflate your tires, you can go to a gas station or do it yourself using a tire inflator. A hand-held tire pressure gauge allows you to check the exact pressure in your tires and deflate them if they are overinflated.
more expensive tools
These basic tools take a long time to use, but if you’re willing to spend the extra money, you can get some of the best gear available.
An impact wrench allows you to remove nuts and bolts almost instantly, without straining your arm. There are also tool and socket sets that contain hundreds of parts and can be expensive. These more expensive tools are a great option if you work on your car frequently, but they aren’t that important for the average car owner.
If you want to save money on repairs and learn more about your car, DIY maintenance is the way to go. You’ll need to invest in some tools to get started, and some items can be a little pricey. But knowing the right tool for the right job, when to do it, and what to do will help you do it better.
