DIY Maintenance Tips
Simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your car healthy between professional visits. We believe in empowering drivers with knowledge!
These tips are for informational purposes. If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a professional.
Checking Your Fluids
Regularly checking your vehicle's fluids helps catch problems early and keeps your car running smoothly.
Engine Oil
Park on level ground, wait for engine to cool. Pull the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, then check the level. Oil should be between the two marks and appear amber, not black.
Check monthly. Low or dirty oil can cause serious engine damage.
Coolant
Check the level in the overflow reservoir (NOT the radiator cap). The coolant should be between MIN and MAX lines. Never open the radiator cap when hot!
Only check when engine is cool. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
Brake Fluid
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. Check the level against the MIN/MAX markings. Fluid should be clear to light amber.
Low brake fluid may indicate worn brake pads or a leak. Get it checked.
Power Steering Fluid
Find the reservoir (check your owner's manual). Check level against markings. Top off with manufacturer-specified fluid if low.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Locate the washer fluid reservoir (usually marked with a windshield symbol). Fill with washer fluid as needed.
Don't use water - it can freeze or promote bacterial growth.
Tire Care Basics
Proper tire maintenance improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and keeps you safe on Florida's roads.
Check Tire Pressure
Use a tire pressure gauge when tires are cold. Find the recommended PSI on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Add or release air as needed.
Check monthly. Florida heat causes pressure fluctuations.
The Penny Test
Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is too worn and tires need replacing.
Worn tires are dangerous, especially in Florida's rainy season.
Visual Inspection
Look for cracks, bulges, or objects stuck in the tread. Check sidewalls for damage. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues.
Bulges indicate internal damage - replace immediately.
Don't Forget the Spare
Check your spare tire's pressure quarterly. Many spare tires require higher pressure (60 PSI is common).
Light Check
Working lights are essential for safety and required by law. Check them regularly to avoid tickets and accidents.
Headlights
Turn on headlights and walk around the car. Check both low and high beams. Look for dim or flickering bulbs.
Taillights & Brake Lights
Have someone press the brake pedal while you check from behind. Or use a reflection in a window or wall.
Non-working brake lights are a common cause of rear-end accidents.
Turn Signals
Activate hazard lights to check all turn signals at once. Walk around to verify all four corners are blinking.
Reverse Lights
Put the car in reverse (with parking brake on) and check that the white reverse lights illuminate.
Wiper Blade Care
Florida's intense sun and sudden storms make good wiper blades essential. Replace them before they fail.
Inspect Blades
Lift the wiper arms and examine the rubber. Look for cracks, tears, or hardening. The edge should be smooth and even.
Test Performance
Spray washer fluid and run wipers. They should clear the windshield without streaking, skipping, or chattering.
Replace wipers every 6-12 months or when streaking begins.
Clean Blades
Wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. This can temporarily improve performance.
Replace When Needed
Most wiper blades are easy to replace - just match the size and connector type. Follow the package instructions.
Don't wait for a storm to find out your wipers have failed.
Air Filter Check
Clean air filters improve performance and fuel economy. They're easy to check and often simple to replace.
Locate Engine Air Filter
Find the air filter box under the hood. It's usually a large plastic box near the engine with a hose connected to it.
Inspect the Filter
Open the clips or screws and remove the filter. Hold it up to light - if you can't see light through it, it needs replacing.
A clogged filter reduces performance and fuel economy.
Cabin Air Filter
Located behind the glove box on most cars. Consult your manual for location and replacement procedure.
Dirty cabin filters reduce A/C efficiency - important in Florida!
Replacement Interval
Engine air filter: Every 15,000-30,000 miles. Cabin filter: Every 12,000-15,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions.
Battery Basics
Florida heat is hard on batteries. Regular checks can prevent being stranded with a dead battery.
Visual Inspection
Look for corrosion (white or greenish powder) on terminals. Check for cracks in the battery case or bulging.
Corroded terminals can prevent your car from starting.
Clean Terminals
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply to terminals and scrub with a wire brush. Rinse and dry.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Battery acid is corrosive.
Check Connections
Ensure terminal connections are tight. Loose connections can cause starting problems and electrical issues.
Know the Age
Batteries typically last 3-5 years, but Florida heat can shorten this. Check the date code on the battery.
Have your battery tested annually after year 3.
When to Call a Professional
Check Engine Light
Diagnostic equipment needed to identify the issue
Unusual Noises
Grinding, squealing, or knocking sounds
Fluid Leaks
Puddles under your car need professional diagnosis
Brake Problems
Soft pedal, pulling, or grinding noises
Overheating
Could indicate serious cooling system issues
Electrical Issues
Flickering lights or starting problems