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Easy Diy Car Services: Tips To Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

Easy Diy Car Services: Tips To Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

It is common to see people with dirty hands and greasy hair crawling under the hood of their car, tinkering away. Maybe you’re one such car lover searching for some guidance about servicing your engine and DIYs. Or maybe you are a potential car buyer who wants to know what goes into keeping your car on the road. This blog post will discuss how to show some love to your car engine by regularly maintaining the two most essential things: air filter and engine oil. Happy motoring!

Air Filter - Let it Breathe:

The air filter is the first line of defense against dirt and debris entering your engine. It's essential to check it regularly and replace it when needed. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow, which can cause the engine to overheat or even stall. There's something you can do for your engine without taking it to the mechanic - replace the air filter yourself.

Tools needed: None, you just need a new air filter!

Time required: 10 minutes!

  • Locate the filter underneath the hood of your automobile
  • Remove the top cover and inspect the air filter's position inside the casing. Note which way the filter is pointing.
  • Remove the previous air filter and replace it with a new one in its place.
  • Make sure to release the metal clamps when done.

That is all there is to it. You may extend the life of your new air filter by carefully cleaning it out with compressed air if desired.

Oil - The Lifeblood:

Engine oil is responsible for lubricating all the moving parts of your engine. It also helps cool the engine by carrying heat away from the moving parts. 

Tools needed: Ratchet, oil filter wrench, oil pan, funnel

Time required: 30 to 45 minutes.

Before you start, keep these essential precautions in mind.

1. Don't switch your engine's oil when it is hot. Park the car and let it cool before cranking it up.
2. You'll have to raise your vehicle, so be sure you're ready to operate a jack.

The steps for an oil change are:

  • Locate the oil pan of your automobile beneath it. It shouldn't be difficult to find.
  • Remove the drain plug and drain any old oil from your oil pan.
  • Replace the drain plug after all of the oil has been removed.
  • Then, remove the old oil filter from your engine with your oil filter wrench. (Take care because the oil filter has some old oil in it.)
  • Use fresh motor oil to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter.
  • Fill the new oil filter two-thirds with fresh oil.
  • Fill oil in the new oil filter and screw it on. Only hand-tighten it.
  • Fill the engine with fresh oil using your funnel.
  • If you're unsure about the oil level, use a dipstick to double-check.
  • Remove the old oil filter and recycle the old oil (most gas stations will accept it).

The oil change procedure is the dirtiest and most time-consuming, whereas air filter changing is one of the most straightforward DIY car services. 

If you ever feel you aren't yet ready to get grease in your hair and risk your car's main components, feel free to visit us at Southgate Ford, serving Wyandotte, MI. Our experts are waiting so why not schedule a service today?