No matter how difficult or complex a car maintenance task might seem, it usually isn’t. That is, when it comes to simple and basic maintenance; once there is something seriously wrong with the car or the noise from the engine bay is something that you cannot possibly fathom, it is time to contact your mechanic. But for quick maintenance and even small repairs, there is really no need to book a visit to the mechanic and watch as they do a small job that doesn’t take them more than a couple of minutes, and wouldn’t have run you a couple of minutes too. That is why, if you know some basic maintenance and how to perform it on your vehicle in your own garage, you should have access to the relevant tools in your home to avoid bothering your next-door neighbour for something you should have definitely had.
In this blog post, we will look at some essential tools that you should have at your home at all times, as well as some important tips related to cost-effective car maintenance that you should always know. Besides tools, tips can come in handy, because you may not have the requisite tool, but a quick, genius-level tip can save the need for that tool, as well as save you precious time for when you might be running late. So, without any further ado, here are some essential tools and tips for cost-effective car maintenance, and let’s start by looking at the quick tips first.
Tips for Cost-Effective Car Maintenance
When it comes to car maintenance, much like your own health, prevention is better than curing it, so, when it comes to cars, it’s better to remember ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ and pay attention to any signs of issues that may surface and resolve them immediately. That’s the gist of it; once you understand and act accordingly, car maintenance will become a breeze and you will enjoy your drives. Here are some tips on top of it.
- Check engine oil: Checking your engine oil everyday (if you have an older car) is perhaps the first step to ensuring that your car does not develop a costly problem, and ensures you catch any problem in time.
- Keep the battery clean: The battery powers the entire electronic system of the car, and having a dead battery can be too annoying. By keeping your battery clean, you can ensure that a minimal level of maintenance is being carried out.
- Monitor tyre pressure: Nothing is worse than running late and getting a flat out of nowhere. With periodic tyre pressure checks, you can catch any puncture or leak in time, and get it mended before it costs you a late or missed meeting.
- Change filters: From cabin air filters to air filters for the engine, by changing them on time, a lot of problems and maintenance issues can be avoided. In big, polluted cities, changing your cabin air filters can become crucial, so pay attention to them.
- Get tyres rotated: Tyres accumulate uneven wear due to the driving conditions as well as their drive layout. Getting your tyres rotated periodically will allow you to get more miles out of the same set, and also allow you to catch any potential problems.
- Inspect your belts, hoses: Extreme temperature differences can take its toll on belts and rubber hoses in the engine. Since they are crucial and hard-to-reach, sinepcting them every now and then keeps you ahead of any potential mishaps.
- Check all lights regularly: A burnt out tail light can get you a ticket or can cause another car to crash into you. By periodically checking all lights, indicators and reflectors and replacing them in time, you can avoid a life-threatening accident.
Now, lets look at some tools that you need to have at home for quick repairs at home for your car.
Screwdrivers
Whether it is home DIY or vehicle maintenance, screwdrivers are an absolute must-have for people looking to perform even the most simple and basic tasks around the home and in the garage. Need to fix a broken rack? Screwdrivers are your preferred tool of choice. Need to quickly reattach the rear view mirror that may have come off on your car? A screwdriver can fix that; all you need to know is if it’s a flat (shaped like the minus sign) or a Phillips (shaped like a plus). Many newer vehicles and newer appliances come with hybrid screws that can be turned around by both types of screwdrivers, but even beyond the garage and DIY stuff, a house without a screwdriver is simply incomplete. Any small issue with the vehicle or a household appliance can turn into a big bill and a waste of time if you don’t know your way around a screwdriver.
Wrenches
Wrenches of all types, sizes, and usability should be a part of your home. When anything in your home goes wrong, it’s always better to have the requisite tools on you at all times, and wrenches can come in handy when you need to tune the car or tighten a pipe in the backyard, a wrench is always the one tool you can trust to get the job done. Therefore, your home or your garage should always have an assortment of different sizes of wrenches available at all times to ensure that you have the right tool at the right time.
Jack Stand, Jacks
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, upkeep, and repair, the one thing you need to understand is that a lot of the essentials that aren’t usually reserved for DIY are located on the underside of the vehicle. The oil pan and a lot of the other parts that carmakers know and understand are parts that will only be accessed by mechanics and are located on the underside. As such, safety and common sense demand that you use a jackstand to jack the car up, and put a distance between it and the ground to ensure that you can comfortably and easily access the underside. For that, you will need both jack stands and jacks; the good thing is that these usually come as part of the extra equipment in the vehicle; usually located in the trunk of the vehicle. If for some reason you can’t find it or don’t have them, we’d suggest investing in an excellent jack stand and jack that ensures safety above all.
Magnum Autoclub: Car Maintenance Done Right!
With Magnum Autoclub, vehicle maintenance goes from a burdensome task and chore to a bonding time with your beloved set of wheels. If going from point A to point B was never a joyous task for you, after your car gets the Magnum Autoclub treatment, each drive will be an experience to savour. From complete car care and maintenance to upgrades done without the usual side of hefty bill, Magnum Autoclub is your companion to turn your car into an exquisite machine. Check us out at Magnum Autoclub and feel the difference for yourself.