subject: Car Maintenance You Can Do At Home [print this page] Everyone dreads any trip to the garage, whether it's a standard service and MOT or a more serious issue with your vehicle. However, sometimes the pain of a garage visit can be reduced if you know how to do some of the simpler things in the comfort of your own home. Even better, there's no labour charge.
Here's a list of some of the simple changes you can make at home, and how they can help improve your engine's life. With some of these maintenance changes it may be worth looking at a more in-depth guide to find out the exact way to fit it to your car, remember this is just a rough guide.
Air Filters
Standard car air filters are best described as the lungs of the engine. They help suck cold air into the hot engine to keep it cool and working efficiently. If the filter wasn't there you'd get all kinds of dirt and debris entering your engine, which could spell disaster. In most cars you can have the option to upgrade the standard ait filter and fit a cone filter, which can significantly increase performance and MPG.
Replacing a standard ait filter means carefully unscrewing the box and removing the filter from within it, if it's black and dirty it's time for a replacement. Simply pop the new one in the filter housing and secure the box.
Oil & Fuel Filters
All filters work on the same basis of protecting the engine, and blocking any incoming debris or grit that might damage any internal parts. With oil and fuel filters it's a slightly trickier task to do at home, if you have a garage and a car ramp it's far easier. Expect to get messy when changing an oil filter! Check your cars handbook to see when best to get the oil and fuel filters changed.
Full Car Servicing
Remember that most full car servicing can be done at home, but if you don't have the facilities or feel confident with your level of experience then don't hesitate to head over to a professional. If you change anything, always inform your garage so they don't replace an already new part!
