Do-it-yourself car maintenance
Posted: 09/04/2008
How To ...
By Stephanie Mlot
News-Post Staff
If the summer months of driving in 90-degree heat have been bringing your car down, it may be time to stop in to see an auto mechanic.
But if you’re running short on time, Ron Smisek of R&R Garage in Frederick offers some do-it-yourself car maintenance tips.
To keep yourself clean while performing these tasks, make sure you have extra paper towels and old rags handy while working with your car, and always park it on a level surface, out of the way of oncoming cars.
Check oil:
1. The best time to check oil is when the car is cold, Smisek said, mostly because that’s when the reading will be most accurate.
2. Pull the dipstick out of its position and wipe clean with a rag.
3. Put the dipstick back into position, leave it there for half a minute, then remove it again.
4. Check the oil levels, which should be reaching “full” on the dipstick.
5. If necessary, add oil by unscrewing the oil filler cap, located on the very top of the engine.
6. Check oil level again after adding oil. Add more if needed.
7. Put the oil filler cap back on and secure it tightly.
Check tire pressure:
1. The best time to check tire air pressure is when the car is cold.
2. Unscrew the cap and place the pressure gauge onto the air valve.
3. Check what the maximum pressure is listed as on the sidewall of the tire, and stick to that number when looking for tire pressure.
4. Add air as needed, but be sure not to overfill the tire.
Regular oil changes and tire pressure checks are important to keep your engine in a good shape, and taking care of minor car concerns quickly will help thwart serious problems and expensive repairs later. These tips can also help you save at the gas pumps by keeping your car healthy.
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