Car Maintenance 101: Simple Fixes Every Driver Should Know

Owning a car comes with freedom, but also responsibility. Regular car maintenance not only keeps your vehicle safe but also saves you from costly repairs in the future. The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic to handle some of the most common car care tasks.

Here are 10 simple car fixes every driver should know — perfect for beginners and a must for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary trips to the workshop.

1. Checking and Topping Up Engine Oil

Your car’s engine oil lubricates moving parts and prevents overheating. Low oil can cause serious engine damage.

How to do it:

1. Park on level ground and turn off the engine.

2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert, then pull it out again.

3. Oil should be between the min and max marks.

4. If low, add the correct oil type through the oil filler cap.

2. Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades

Driving in heavy rain with worn wipers is dangerous.

How to do it:

• Lift the wiper arm, unclip the old blade, and snap in the new one.

• Change them every 6–12 months or when they leave streaks.

3. Changing a Flat Tire

A flat tire can happen anytime — knowing how to change it is essential.

Steps:

1. Park safely and apply the handbrake.

2. Use a jack to lift the car.

3. Remove lug nuts, swap the spare tire, tighten nuts in a star pattern.

4. Drive slowly to the nearest service station for a proper fix.

4. Checking Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires wear out quickly and increase fuel consumption.

How to do it:

• Use a tire pressure gauge (or a gas station pump).

• Compare the reading to the recommended PSI (usually found on the driver’s door sticker).

• Inflate or deflate accordingly.

5. Replacing Car Battery

If your car struggles to start, the battery may be the culprit.

Basic steps:

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+).

3. Remove the old battery, insert the new one, reconnect terminals (positive first, then negative).

6. Replacing Air Filters

Air filters prevent dust and dirt from entering the engine.

How to do it:

• Open the air filter box (usually a plastic case near the engine).

• Remove the dirty filter and insert a new one.

• Replace every 12,000–15,000 miles.

7. Refilling Coolant

Coolant prevents your engine from overheating.

How to do it:

• Only check when the engine is cool.

• Locate the coolant reservoir and make sure fluid is between min and max.

• Top up with the correct coolant mixture if needed.

8. Replacing Light Bulbs

Burnt-out headlights or brake lights are not just unsafe — they can get you fined.

How to do it:

• Access the bulb from inside the hood or trunk.

• Remove the faulty bulb, insert a new one (same wattage).

• Test before closing everything up.

9. Cleaning Car Battery Terminals

Corroded battery terminals can stop your car from starting.

Fix:

• Disconnect the battery.

• Scrub terminals with baking soda + water solution using an old toothbrush.

• Dry and reconnect.

10. Keeping Your Car Clean (Inside & Out)

It may sound simple, but dirt, dust, and bird droppings can damage paint and interiors over time.

• Wash and wax your car regularly.

• Vacuum the inside and clean the dashboard with microfiber cloths.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to keep your car running smoothly. By mastering these simple car fixes, you’ll:

• Save money on minor repairs.

• Increase your car’s lifespan.

• Stay safer on the road.

Think of car maintenance as an investment — a few minutes of care can save you thousands in the long run.