Automotive Maintenance Tips: 10 DIY Tasks

While a lot of our customers trust us to care for all of their vehicle’s maintenance needs, just as many Chantilly drivers prefer to perform some automotive maintenance tasks themselves. Regardless of what you prefer to do, our friendly service team is here to help with automotive maintenance tips. In fact, we’ve put together a list of ten things below we think every driver should know how to do. So, here are some items you can put on your automotive maintenance schedule.

10 Things Every Driver Should Know How to Do

You can’t beat the satisfaction of having done something yourself. So, here are automotive items most drivers can do:

• Check and fill the oil. The oil dipstick is pretty visible in most engines, as is the oil cap. Check your manual for instructions on how to check the oil level.
• Change air filter. The air filter housing usually sits somewhere at the top of the engine compartment and is easily accessible. Replacing the air filter doesn’t even require tools in most cars.
• Inflate tires and check air pressure. Find the “PSI” number on the side of the tire and inflate the tire to that number. The air pumps at most Centerville gas stations have a tire gauge, but it’s a good idea to keep a gauge in your glove department just in case.
• Change a flat tire. Who wants to be stranded helplessly along the side of the road somewhere in Ashburn? If you know how to change a flat, you can change your tire and get on your way!
• Inspect tires and determine when they need to be replaced. While tire replacement can be a regularly scheduled event, tires sometimes need to be replaced before those scheduled times. You can use a penny to check your tread depth if it looks worn down.
• Replace wiper blades. This is such a simple job that it can take less than ten minutes. What’s more, it often doesn’t require tools.
• Top off windshield wiper fluid. There is a clear plastic reservoir for the wiper fluid under the hood. Wiper fluid is cheap and replacing it is very easy.
• Check and top off coolant. The coolant level can be checked by looking at the plastic reservoir connected to the radiator. If coolant needs to be added, it will need to be topped off in the radiator directly while the engine is running. Note: Never open the radiator cap when the engine is warm!
• Replace headlights, turn signal, and brake light bulbs. The process for this is a little different for every vehicle. But it is almost always simple to do. Check your manual.
• Replace the battery. This is pretty simple to do as well. Just remember, when removing the old battery: positive off first, then negative. Reverse the order when installing the new battery, and always wear the proper safety gear.

Keep an Automotive Maintenance Schedule

An automotive maintenance schedule can remind you when it’s time to perform certain tasks. You’ll also want to keep a record of when maintenance items are completed. This will help when it’s time to sell the car. For Mercedes-Benz drivers, your service schedule will most likely consist of alternating Service A and Service B appointments*, with additional checks, replacements, and inspections added as required**.

Let Our Maintenance Experts Help

There’s nothing wrong with accepting some help. And of course, the technicians at our service center are happy to assist you with any of your maintenance needs. You can even schedule service online. And while you’re here, you might as well check out our service specials and explore our DIY car-care guides to learn how to reset your check engine light, check your car’s oil level, and more.