Auto Service and Repair in Houston: How to Perform Your Own Car Maintenance

Auto Services Houston

Auto Service and Repair in Houston is essential for vehicles. For the young or adventurous, car maintenance can be a “do it yourself” project. If so, here are some tips to keep your car running safely.

Start by checking the headlights and brake lights. Check turn signals and running lights. If any of the bulbs, (especially the headlights) have burned out, refer to your local auto Service and Repair technician for assistance. Headlights are often difficult to access and require accurate setting of the headlight beam.

Check your tires. Tire pressures respond to outdoor air temperature and the heat caused by friction on the road. Don’t forget to check the pressure in your spare tire. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles. If rotating tires proves too difficult, refer to your local auto service and repair technician.

Look carefully at your windshield wiper blades. Sunlight quickly dries and cracks wiper blades reducing their ability to clean your windshield. Blades should be replaced every 6-12 months. Check your washer fluid reservoir often and be sure to replace with washer fluid that does not freeze as winter months approach.

Next, open the engine compartment and check the engine oil. Engine oil is critical to keeping an engine in excellent health. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or three months. Be sure the engine is off before you check the oil. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth and then place it back into the engine. Take the dipstick out again and check that the oil is between the two lines marked on the dipstick. Do not overfill the engine oil; it can damage your engine. If changing the oil is more than you care to do, take your car to your local auto service and repair technician.

Most car batteries today are sealed.

To check your coolant level, be sure your engine is cool. Never open the radiator when the car is running or the engine is hot. Most cars have coolant reservoirs so that you don’t have to open the radiator. When the engine is cool, the fluid level should be between the ‘high’ and ‘low’ marks. Change engine coolant according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. It is safer to use local auto service and repair in Houston technicians so they may recycle the coolant.

Check your air filter. If it is dirty, replace it. Clean filters allow more air to reach your engine and improve performance and mileage. Replace according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

To check the transmission fluid look for a reservoir marked ATF (automatic transmission fluid). Always check it with the engine running.

If you have a power steering reservoir check it visually. If not, use the dipstick.

Check the brake fluid reservoir to verify there is brake fluid in the system. Many break systems still contain asbestos pads. Have your brakes checked by your local auto service and repair technician.

Finally, change your fuel filter once a year to ensure the gas does not encounter obstacles on its way to the engine.

For the enthusiast who enjoys servicing their own cars, have fun and enjoy the fruits of your labor.