5 car maintenance tasks everyone should master

Owning a vehicle means maintaining it properly, first to ensure it runs smoothly, but also to preserve it for the long term. You can do business with a car dealership or an independent repair shop, taking advantage of either the increased expertise of the former or the reduced rates of the latter.

It's true that in these times of inflation, many people are looking to save as much as possible. With this in mind, there are certain maintenance tasks that just about anyone should or could do themselves. It's also a way to save time and, again, money. Here are five examples...

1. Wash the vehicle thoroughly

Going to the car wash is easy, but it can cost a good fifteen dollars. Car wash and detailing centers will empty your wallet even more. Why not do the job at home? Get yourself some good car soap, ideally with wax in a “wash and wax” formula, and you'll kill two birds with one stone: cleaning and protecting.

Leave your car in the shade to cool down its surface. Start by spraying it with water to remove mud and dust, then dip your sponge or mitt into the bucket to wash the roof, windshield, hood, rear window, and trunk lid. Then rinse this section, otherwise the soap will dry and leave stains. Continue by cleaning the sides, front, and rear, rinsing between washing each part. Finally, dry the car with an absorbent microfiber towel that won't scratch the paint.

2. Clean and replace air filters

The engine air filter prevents dirt and airborne contaminants from entering the engine, interfering with the combustion process and reducing performance. It is important to inspect and clean the filter periodically and whenever abnormal symptoms appear in the vehicle's operation. After a certain amount of time, however, replacement is necessary. The owner's manual contains all of your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations on this subject.

First, make sure the car has cooled down for about 15 minutes after turning off the engine. Lift the hood, locate the housing where the engine air filter is located, and remove it, noting its position. Using a vacuum cleaner with a suitable attachment, gently vacuum the largest pieces of dirt from the air filter. Use a mild cleaning product, such as dishwashing liquid, to clean the filter more effectively. You can scrub it lightly or let it soak for about ten minutes. Then rinse the air filter with water to remove all traces of the cleaning product. Allow the filter to dry completely. Finally, replace the clean air filter in its housing, making sure it is positioned correctly. Then close the housing securely before replacing the hood. It's that simple!

As for the cabin filter, which prevents air contamination inside the vehicle, it is usually located behind the glove compartment. You will need to remove the glove compartment, which is not difficult, to access it, or use the small hatch designed specifically for this purpose. Similar to the engine air filter, how often you need to replace it depends on your driving habits. You should consider replacing it more frequently if you often drive on dusty roads or in heavy traffic, where the air is very polluted. Get into the habit of checking it every time you change the oil.

3. Check, inflate, and install tires

All good drivers should periodically check their tires for wear and pressure. An underinflated tire will see its outer grooves wear down faster than those in the center. Conversely, an overinflated tire will have more wear on the center tread than on the outer treads. The rubber may also wear on one side only or in a sawtooth pattern due to a problem with the vehicle's alignment or suspension.

To avoid problems, always adjust the air pressure in your tires according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If you don't have a compressor or tire inflator at home, you can find a pay-per-use system at many gas stations.

To assess wear, use a depth gauge or check the indicators located at the bottom of the tread grooves. According to the law, tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm (2/32 inch). If it is at the same level as the indicator, the tire must be replaced. For winter tires, there's always the good old 25-cent trick.

Ultimately, you should be able to install your tires yourself, whether it's for a seasonal change (if you have a second set of wheels) or after a flat tire (no need to call a tow truck!). Learn how to use a jack properly, then follow the rotation order and, using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the torque specified in the owner's manual.

4. Clean and replace headlights

You should always be able to rely on your headlights to be in good working order. The problem is that too many people neglect them and do nothing until a bulb burns out. Anyone who wears glasses will tell you that you need to clean them from time to time. It's the same with headlight lenses.

To restore their transparency and shine, a simple and surprising trick you can try first is to wash them thoroughly, then polish them with toothpaste (make sure it does not contain any bleaching agents or hydrogen peroxide). Apply a small amount and rub in small circles using a microfiber cloth or even a toothbrush before wiping with a dry cloth. Various products are also available for purchase, but as with toothpaste, their results are not always long-lasting. It's worth trying before turning to a specialized company that restores headlight lenses completely and permanently using a polishing technique.

If a bulb is burnt out, you can replace it yourself. Check the model required for your car and avoid cheap brands. When replacing the bulb, turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery if necessary for added safety. Still under the hood, consult your owner's manual to find out how to access the headlight housing where the bulb needs to be replaced. Often, a screwdriver is all you need. Caution: always wear gloves to prevent the oil on your hands from damaging the new bulb. Once the replacement is complete, put everything back in place, start your vehicle, and check that the headlight is working properly.

5. Check and manage fluids

Changing engine oil is a task that anyone can do instead of taking it to a mechanic, but it involves more work and requires the necessary equipment, as well as properly disposing of the used oil. On the other hand, it is easier and more normal for any driver to check the other fluids under the hood: windshield washer fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.

These fluids all have reservoirs with markings indicating the level inside, so it's important to check them to make sure they're not low. Use a funnel to fill them and rags to clean up any spills. It goes without saying that the engine should always be turned off.

Green coolant contains inorganic oxides such as silicates and phosphates that form a protective barrier. It should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, long-life coolant containing carboxylates may never need to be replaced.