Are you looking for ways to take care of your vehicle? Giving your car frequent maintenance is vital to ensure it stays in top condition for as long as possible. If you want to learn more about this topic, read this article by Lopshire Motorsportsabout basic car maintenance skills every car owner should know.
Maintaining your car is a must to ensure it has a long lifespan. Therefore, being able to identify and fix the basic problems you can encounter is vital. Many people get stressed over having engine issues, but you don't have to be a mechanic to be able to take care of your vehicle. There are simple car maintenance skills you can develop. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, read this article that Lopshire Motorsports has for you today.
Replace Windshield Wipers
There will come a time where you will need a fresh set of windshield wipers. Fortunately, replacing windshield wipers is an effortless task. To replace a blade, you need to start by releasing it. There are two common ways to release a blade, by pushing a small button at the bottom or by sliding it out of the hook on the end of the arm. To place new blades, you simply need to slide or push the blade in.
Check Your Oil Levels
Engine oil is an essential product. It ensures all the pieces inside the engine work together correctly. Therefore, being able to check your engine levels is a must.
To check your oil, start by parking your car on a level surface and waiting for it to cool down. Otherwise, the oil won't have time to drain back into the pan completely. Now, pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a rag. Stick the dipstick back in and read the level. If the oil shows between the 'full' or 'low' marks, there is nothing to worry about.
Learn more about how to give maintenance to your vehicle by speaking with a professional at Lopshire Motorsports. Learn about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Ottumwa, IA, by visiting the online store or calling (641) 680-7181.
Test Your Battery
As you may know, your car battery is the one giving your engine life. Therefore investing in a multimeter can be the best way to ensure you can take care of it properly.
To check your battery, start with your engine off and remove the positive terminal cover (the one in red), and follow by removing the negative one. Now, take your multimeter and connect the positive lead to the positive lead of the battery terminal. Do the same with the negative terminal. If your battery reads 12.66 volts or above, it means it is fully charged. Low numbers can mean that your battery needs recharging or that it might be time to replace it entirely.
Top off Fluids
Along with checking your motor oil, ensure your engine has all other vital fluids. Neglecting to do so can lead to engine problems. To avoid having any mishaps, read your owner's manual and check how often your engine needs to have all fluids topped off. After doing so, topping off your fluids should be very simple. If you are unsure about how to do this job, don't hesitate to ask your mechanic of trust.
For the best products for your engine, get in contact with a professional at Lopshire Motorsports. Learn about products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil that will improve your engine's performance. For more information on the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Ottumwa, IA, call (641) 680-7181.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires are the ones keeping your vehicle safely on the ground. To start checking if they are in good condition, take a look at your owner's manual and see what the recommended PSI is for your tires. Next, take a tire gauge and check the air pressure of all four tires. Ensure to do so when your tires are cold. Fill each tire to the recommended level. Repeat this process once a month.
Change a Flat Tire
Besides being able to check your tire pressure, knowing how to change a flat tire can get you out of many dangerous and uncomfortable road situations.
If you are driving and notice you have a flat tire, begin by securely getting off the road. Engage your emergency lights or place warning triangles or flares to ensure you alert those around you. Next, set the parking brake and proceed by pulling out your spare tire. Before removing your flat tire, place rocks or bricks behind your other tires to prevent your car from rolling.
Remove the hubcap from your tire and loosen the lug nuts with your lug wrench. Move the jack underneath the car and raise the wheel until it is high enough that you can remove it. Place the spare tire and put the bolts back in. tighten the bolts loosely, place the tire back on the ground and follow by tightening the bolts properly.
Give Your Engine Proper Maintenance by Giving It a Synthetic Oil Change in Ottumwa, IA