how to independently maintain your carhow to independently maintain your car


About Me

how to independently maintain your car

One of the most difficult adjustments I had to make after my divorce was learning how to maintain and repair my own vehicle. That was one thing that my husband had always taken care of for me. Since the divorce, I have learned quite a bit about maintaining a car myself. I have picked up a few tidbits of information that has helped me avoid being overcharged for simple things that I can quickly do myself - like jump-starting my dead battery and changing a flat tire. If you need to learn how to independently maintain your vehicle for the first time, take a moment and visit my site.

Three Things An Oil Change Technician Can Spot During A Routine Oil Change

In terms of car repairs, you might be surprised at how a simple maintenance procedure quickly uncovers some more serious things wrong with your vehicle. If you take your vehicle to a quick lube shop just for an oil change, the technician can spot other things wrong with your vehicle. They will alert you to these things so that you can take your vehicle to your regular (i.e., full service) mechanic to have these things checked out. Here are three things an oil change technician can spot during a routine oil change that may alert you to more serious problems with your vehicle:

Car Engine Leaks

Engines that leak are typically leaking oil from the oil filter area, and/or leaking transmission fluid. An oil change typically fixes the problem with the oil leak, unless there is a noticeable crack in the engine block. If there is a crack in the engine block, it will not be long before you will have to replace the entire engine. These leaks do not represent anything good for your vehicle, and they need to be inspected by your regular mechanic.

Radiator Problems

Radiators keep engines cool so that engines do not overheat. Radiators also prevent engines from freezing up in really cold temperatures. An oil change technician can spot leaks in the radiator, which could indicate a couple of problems with this necessary auto part. If the leak is significant, you might have to constantly refill the radiator with antifreeze/coolant, and the engine might lock up from overheating or not start when it is frozen. A slight leak in the radiator could mean that your radiator will eventually fail when the crack that is leaking begins to expand. 

Bad Brakes

A full service oil change almost always includes a brake fluid fill. When your oil change technician is filling the brake fluid, it will be readily visible if there is a leak of brake fluid or the brakes are worn to the point that they are going to fail. If your car is already making a noise when you brake, that only confirms what the oil and lube technician has seen when your vehicle is parked over an oil change pit. The technician can and will fill the brake fluid, but your vehicle's brakes will ultimately fail if you do not take your car into your regular repair shop. 

For more information, contact companies like Huntington Beach Transmissions.