write a expository essay on how to care for a motor vehicle

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The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist

Last Updated: March 7, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre . Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 438,156 times.

Doing the right kinds of maintenance on your car will not only help it to hold its value, it will also help to keep it safe and reliable. Regular car maintenance involves a wide variety of projects that may not all be easy to do at home. However, by understanding what needs to be done to maintain your car, you can be better equipped to talk to your local service center about doing the work your car needs.

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Managing Your Car’s Fluids and Filters

• Some cars need to have their timing belts replaced at specific mileage intervals. Otherwise, you risk doing damage to your cylinder head.
• If you don’t have an owner’s manual, refer to the manufacturer’s website for further guidance.

• Some vehicles have specific requirements for the type of coolant or brake fluid you use. Refer to your owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to see what kind is right for your specific car.
• To fill each reservoir, unscrew the cap and pour the fluid in until it reaches the “full” point as indicated on the side. Then screw the cap back on.

• Refill the engine with the correct amount and type of oil once the new filter is in place and you have reinserted the drain plug.
• Different vehicles have different oil capacities and requirements. Refer to your owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to find out what type and amount of oil you need for your car.

• The filter just sits inside the air box. Remove it with your hand and set the new one in its place. Remove the cover and inspect the filter. If it's dirty, replace it with a new one.
• Close the air box again and use the clips to secure the lid.

• Most cars that require “premium” fuel will say so on the instrument cluster of the dashboard and over the fuel filler cap.
• Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re still unsure what octane level of fuel your vehicle needs.

• Loosen the bracket holding the old fuel filter in place and slide it out.
• Slide the new one into the bracket and tighten it down. Attach the fuel lines to each nozzle and reinsert the clips to hold them in place.
• If you break the clips, you can buy new ones at your local hardware store.

• Most vehicles require a 50/50 water and coolant mixture. You can usually purchase pre-mixed coolant at your local auto parts store.
• Check your owner’s manual or a vehicle specific repair manual to see how much coolant to add and what specific type of coolant your car needs.

• Read the instructions on the bug remover you purchase to make sure you use it properly.

Taking Care of Brakes, Belts, and Hoses

• At that point, you can install the new brake pads into the caliper by sliding them into place where the old ones were.
• Remove the C-clamp, place the caliper back on the rotor, then reinsert the 2 bolts that hold it in place.
• Repeat that process on the other side, then put the wheels back on and lower the car.

• Make sure to follow the diagram on the sticker in your engine bay (or in an application-specific repair manual) when running the new belt through the pulleys.
• Use the breaker bar on the auto tensioner or apply pressure to the alternator to add tension to the belt, then release the tensioner pulley or tighten the alternator bolts in place to keep the belt tight.

• Install the new hose in place of the old one and re-tighten the hose clamps.
• Add a 50/50 water and coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir until it reaches the full line again when you’re done.

Maintaining the Electrical System

• Use the brush and mixture to clean all corrosion and grime off of the battery posts and the metal connections on the cables.
• Wipe the battery posts clean with a damp rag, then connect the positive cable to the battery again.
• Reconnect the negative cable last.

• You can access blown out headlight bulbs from behind the headlight housing inside the engine bay. Tail lights are usually accessed through the inside of the trunk.
• Unplug the wiring pigtail going into your headlight or taillight, then twist the bulb housing counterclockwise and pull it backward to remove it. Replace the bulb and reinsert it.
• If you can’t figure out how to replace a bulb that’s gone out, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or an application-specific repair manual for more guidance.
• 3 Check your battery. Your car's battery is essential for starting the engine and running electrical systems. Check your battery at least every six months, or more often if you notice any problems. Look for signs of corrosion on the battery terminals, and clean them with a wire brush if necessary. You can also use a battery tester to check the voltage.

• The number of amps a fuse can withstand is written on the fuse itself. Make sure the new fuse has the same number written on it as the blown one you’re replacing.
• If you can’t locate your fuse boxes or they don’t have the diagram, refer to the owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to find the fuse that’s gone out.

• Gap the new spark plug using a spark plug gapping tool. You’ll find the correct gap measurement in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual.
• Place the new plug in the spark plug socket and insert it into the engine. Insert it first by hand and then tighten it with a ratchet.
• Reconnect the spark plug wire and repeat the process for each cylinder.

• Write down the code if the code scanner doesn’t give you an English description. You can look the code up on the manufacturer’s website or in an application-specific repair manual.
• Use any error codes you find to help you determine if there is something wrong with your vehicle that may need repairs.
• Once you make repairs, use the code scanner to clear the error codes and turn off the check engine light.
• You can purchase OBD-II scanners at your local auto parts store, but they can often scan your car for your for free.

Handling Exterior Maintenance

• Many tire air machines at gas stations have a tire gauge built into them.
• Low tire pressure can reduce your fuel mileage and cause your tires to wear out prematurely.

Jason Shackelford

Monitoring oil and tire pressure prevents problems. There are two basic car skills everyone should know: checking oil and adding air to tires. Keeping up with these crucial tasks prevents bigger problems down the road. Learning them saves money on repairs and helps your car last longer. So read your manual to know the right oil levels and tire pressure. Just a few minutes a week goes a long way!

• If you can see Lincoln’s hair, you will need new tires soon.
• If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you need new tires immediately.

• Front and rear tires wear differently because the front tires do most of the braking and turning.
• With some tires, you can swap them from side to side as well.
• If your tires have directional arrows on the sideway, keep those arrows pointed toward the front of the car. Do not swap the tires to the other side.

• Slide the new wiper onto the hook, then rotate it so it is parallel with the wiper arm.
• If you can’t figure out how to remove the wiper blade, refer to your owner’s manual or an application-specific repair manual.

• First wash the car with automotive soap and rinse it thoroughly. Allow it to dry or dry it with towels.
• Apply the wax to the car’s paint using the provided applicator in a swirling motion, then wait for it to dry completely.
• Buff the wax off using a clean chamois cloth.

Expert Q&A

• Many service centers and auto mechanics will offer “tune-ups.” These aren’t always worth it. Ask for an itemized list of what work each shop will do during their tune-ups. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Most of these items can be done at home with common hand tools, or by your neighborhood auto service or auto repair facility. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Whether you have a new or old car, you should clean and protect it to prolong its life. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2008/12/car-care-five-fluids-to-check/index.htm
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/basic-car-care.php
• ↑ https://www.moneycrashers.com/diy-car-maintenance-tips-checklist/
• ↑ https://youtu.be/66e5TurrbVI?t=52
• ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/changing-a-car-serpentine-belt/view-all/
• ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-inspect-car-belts-and-hoses/
• ↑ https://youtu.be/kSkbTmtBZUc?t=27
• ↑ https://www.safemotorist.com/Articles/Vehicle_Maintenance.aspx
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/fuse.php
• ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a10411/check-engine-light/
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/check-tire-pressure.php
• ↑ https://www.carbibles.com/car-maintenance-tips/

About This Article

To maintain a car, you should change the oil every 3,000 miles to help the engine run smoothly. Also, make sure you replace the air filter in your car once per year, which will prevent harmful debris from getting into your engine. In addition to replacing your air filter, drain and flush your coolant system once a year, and add more fluid to the reservoirs in your engine bay whenever they get low. You can also increase your vehicle's lifespan just by using the right octane fuel for your engine, which should be listed in the owner's manual. To learn how to take care of your car's electrical system, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Personal Car Driving’ Importance Essay

Introduction.

Driving is a life skill that every person should acquire. Proper driving reflects on the overall approach to life. Driving is a fundamental aspect of life; it influences the overall behavior of the person. Learning car control techniques and tips apply to how an individual can have a broad outlook on life.

Driving encompasses lessons which one has to learn, to drive safely (Green Life). It is important to acknowledge that driving is a skill that once you have acquired, you will use it for the rest of your life. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right instructor and allow sufficient time to take the instructor‘s advice. Traffic offenses’ amount not only to the violation of traffic laws, but also a violation to other people’s rights and when an individual drives carefully it means being a law-abiding citizen and shows his or her belief to protect lives (Crabtree).

In driving a personal car, it is less stressful and comfortable as it avoids synchronization of the various means of public transport. To overcome the obstacle of reckless driving, other aspects of life have to be attained and taught as well, which has a positive effect to not only the person but the entire community in general. Careful driving enables individuals to exercise their rights and become role models in society.

Private driving is convenient for; it is not organized on predetermined programs. Parents also use the time they take in a while driving to connect with their children due to their busy schedules (Ellaway et al.). Given these key factors, it is clear that driving a personal car is beneficial compared to public transport.

Flexibility and Convenience

Driving a personal car is convenient and flexible for the user. It reduces the use of public transport systems, which is designed to work according to schedules or timetables. Sometimes, these plans can be canceled or be delayed, thereby distracting prior arranged activities of a person.

Similarly, it saves time that could have been spent walking to the bus stop or train station or waiting at bus stops. With new residential areas and employment opportunities emerging away from the major cities, most people have resorted to driving because public systems do not extend beyond defined city boundaries (Crabtree). Additionally, workers who may be required to work late hours to meet deadlines can only do so if they can drive themselves around.

Eases the Demand for Coordination

Personal driving eases the effort of planning how to move from one destination to another, especially if there is heavy luggage to be transported. When driving public vehicles, a lot of coordination and planning is mandatory if a person is required to use more than one bus or train (Green Life).

Personal driving will reduce the coordination of the various modes of transportation and aid in achieving more by going to different places. In the same way, people who live far away from modern services can only depend on private driving to obtain services.

Privacy and Comfort

Driving a private car provides privacy and comfort; this is difficult to come by in a public driven vehicle. Various public systems service providers do not make enough revenue to cover their costs. Consequently, driving a public vehicle is dirty and smelly due to poor maintenance. It becomes congested and overcrowded during peak hours, making the drive uncomfortable.

In a private car, family or friends have the liberty of discussing confidential matters without the fear of another person eavesdropping on their conversation (Ellaway et al.). Parents can connect with their kids or help them with their homework in the middle of their busy schedules. One can also choose the music they like, control the temperature, drive at a comfortable speed, and adjust the seats to suit their height or body weight. There is no fear of theft or losing personal items.

Convenient for Children, Elderly and Disabled

Driving is faster and convenient for children, disabled, elderly, or ailing people. It is not advisable for a parent to take the bus or train with a baby.

Private means of driving offers a convenient opportunity for people with disabilities to go to work school or run critical errands since their cars can be customized to suit their various needs and give them a sense of independence and self-determination (Ellaway et al.). The elderly and ailing will avoid the stress found in public transport system. Correspondingly, an expectant mother, cannot rely on a public driven vehicle; she requires private vehicles for emergencies.

Driving is the skill that is carried out by the subconscious part of the brain. It is a life skill that is essential in developing different aspects of life, which enables one to make appropriate decisions in real-life conditions. This involves applying and realizing the brakes, accelerating, and having full control of the car (Green Life).

Driving your car is beneficial because it is more convenient, flexible, comfortable, and private. It is possible to run errands and accomplish most of the set plans because it is not dependent on timetables and schedules. It also reduces time wastage since private driving has no designated stops. Private driving is important because driving public transport is emotionally and physically exhausting.

Works Cited

Crabtree, Vexen. “ Transport is Good. The Advantages of Pooled Transport. ” 2007. Web.

Ellaway, Anne, Macintyre Sally, Rosemary Hiscock and Ade Kearns. “ In The Driving Seat: Psychological Benefits From Private Motor Vehicle Transport Compared To Public Transport ”, 2003. Web.

Green Life . “Reduce Global Warming: Take Public Transport. ” 2009. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 31). Personal Car Driving' Importance. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-car-driving-importance/

"Personal Car Driving' Importance." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/personal-car-driving-importance/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Personal Car Driving' Importance'. 31 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Personal Car Driving' Importance." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-car-driving-importance/.

1. IvyPanda . "Personal Car Driving' Importance." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-car-driving-importance/.

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IvyPanda . "Personal Car Driving' Importance." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-car-driving-importance/.

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