DIY Car Maintenance: Basic Tips For Every Nigerian Car Owner

One of the most significant obligations of being a car owner is keeping your vehicle in good condition. But it can be a difficult undertaking, especially if you don’t know your car inside and out. 

It’s especially crucial to know how to maintain your car in good operating order in Nigeria, where regular maintenance and servicing can be a bit of a luxury. We’ll go through the fundamental advice for Nigerian automobile owners in this article to keep their vehicles in good functioning order.

Do it Yourself Car Maintenance Tips

1. Frequently check the oil

The engine of your car depends on oil to function. Your engine will operate more smoothly since it lubricates the working parts. Checking your car’s oil on a regular basis is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep it in good running order. Every 1,000 miles or so, you should check your oil, or as recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. 

Here’s how to do that:

• Verify that your automobile is parked on a level surface.
• Turn off the engine and allow for the oil to settle in the pan for five minutes.
• Pull out the dipstick, clean it out, reinstall it, and then pull it out once again to check the oil level. The oil should reach the dipstick at this point.
• If the oil level is too low, add the suggested amount of oil until it is at the proper level.

2. Frequently replace the oil and oil filter

Regularly monitoring your oil level and replacing your oil and oil filter is equally crucial. Your engine could sustain damage if the oil in it becomes sluggish and filthy over time. According to the type of vehicle, the following recommendations are made:

• Conventional oil: Every 3000 miles
• Synthetic oil: each 5,000 to 7,500 miles

To guarantee optimal engine efficiency, you should also replace your oil filter every time you change your oil.

3. Repeatedly check the pressure in your tyres

Tyres that are under or over-inflated can lead to a number of issues, such as lower fuel efficiency and uneven tyre wear. You may prevent these problems by checking your tyre pressure frequently. Every month or before a lengthy trip, you should check your tire pressure, and you should always ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended levels by the car’s manufacturer.

4. Rotate your tires

Rotation is important for maintaining tire wear patterns. Regular rotation can also extend the life of your tires and improve fuel economy. You should aim to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Keep your brakes in good condition

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. Regular inspection and maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and accidents. Here are a few things you should check regularly:

• Brake pads: Check your brake pads for wear, and replace them if they have less than ¼ inch of pad life left.
• Brake fluid: Check your brake fluid level regularly, and add more if necessary.
• Rotors: Check your rotors for wear and damage. If they are warped or damaged, they may need to be replaced.

6. Always have a charged battery

The battery in your automobile is what fuels the electrical system and enables you to start your vehicle. You may become stranded and require a jump start due to a dead battery. By driving often and unplugging the battery connections when the automobile is not in use for an extended period of time, you can prevent these problems from occurring.

7. Frequently swap out your air filter

By keeping dirt and debris from entering the combustion chamber of your engine, the air filter aids in maintaining the cleanliness of your engine. Reduced fuel efficiency and poor engine performance can be brought on by a dirty air filter. The manufacturer of your car may recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.

8. Monitor the fluid levels in your vehicle

Your car needs a variety of fluids in addition to oil to function properly. Coolant, power steering fluid, gearbox fluid and brake fluid are a few of these. It is possible to avoid harm to your car’s engine and other systems by routinely checking and replenishing these fluids. Every 3,000 miles or so, or as instructed by the manufacturer of your car, you should check the fluid levels in it.

9. Regularly wash your car

Washing your automobile is a crucial element of car maintenance, despite the fact that it might not seem like it. Washing your automobile frequently may keep it looking excellent and help prevent rust and corrosion. Furthermore, washing your automobile might aid in spotting any dings, scratches, or other damage that may need to be fixed.

10. Park your vehicle securely

The last thing to remember is to make sure your car is always parked in a secure spot. It may even assist to keep your insurance rates low if you park your car in a secure location to reduce the risk of theft and damage.

Conclusion 

Every automobile owner must take seriously the vital role of car maintenance. While following these simple guidelines can help you keep your automobile in good running order, it is still crucial to get it serviced and inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to identify and address any problems that might have gone undiscovered. 

It is always preferable to seek expert assistance if you feel uneasy carrying out any of these duties on your own. But by following these few guidelines, you can make sure that your car continues to run well for many years to come.