DIY Maintenance Basics

In previous articles, we have learned how some commercial chain car service centers not only defraud their customers but also damage their customers’ cars during one of their advertised oil and filter change services. 10 minutes.

Today we’re going to learn that in many cases, car owners can still perform simple maintenance work on their vehicles—even if they’ve never even done so much as changing or temporarily fixing a tire. punctured.

Car maintenance is becoming a lost art. Part of the blame goes to the quality of engine design, with some advertised as never needing an engine oil or transmission fluid change for the life of the car!

Another part of the problem is that in some cases cars are over-engineered making access to the oil filter and oil pan drain plug or transmission plug on more modern cars more difficult. difficult than it should be. However, while this is true in some cases, it is not impossible for someone with the right tools, a bit of attitude, and good instructions to service their vehicle themselves.

That said, if you’re not convinced that you can actually perform simple car maintenance and save a considerable amount of money and headaches from an all-too-common scam operation, here are some great tips on how to do it. oil and oil filters you should use. . Next, you’ll also see a demonstration of some DIY instructions on how to change the oil as a popular YouTube mechanic walks a young man through his first oil change.

How to Maintain Your Toyota Part 1: Engine Oil and Filters

First car, first do-it-yourself oil change

And finally…

An addendum to the video: It’s worth mentioning that as a matter of practice, no matter how simple a car maintenance task, you should always wear goggles or goggles when working on a car. I went there, saw this, rushed to the ER for this.

For more on car maintenance and repair with Toyotas, here are two articles selected for your consideration and enjoyment: “Car Maintenance 101: Changing the Headlight on a Prius” and “Maintaining a Toyota Prius that you will never have to do. ”

Timothy Boyer is a Cincinnati-based automotive reporter for Torque News. Experienced in early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for better performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for new and used vehicle news.

Image source: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash