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5 DIY Car Maintenance Tips for Every Owner

Maintaining your car doesn’t always require a trip to the mechanic. With a few basic tools and a bit of knowledge, there are several easy car maintenance tasks that you can handle yourself to keep your vehicle running smoothly. At Tyrepower Treendale, we encourage drivers to stay on top of routine care to extend the life of their vehicle and improve safety. In this blog, we’ll cover five essential DIY car maintenance tasks that every car owner can do at home.


Our Top 5 Tips

1. Check and Maintain Tyre Pressure

Proper tyre pressure is key to safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. Under-inflated tyres wear out faster and increase fuel consumption, while over-inflated tyres can affect handling. It’s a good idea to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, especially before long trips. Most cars have a recommended tyre pressure listed in the owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door.

  • How to do it: Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge to measure each tyre’s pressure, and adjust with an air pump as needed.

  • Why it matters: Correct tyre pressure helps your car handle better and increases tyre life, saving you money in the long run.


2. Inspect Your Tyre Tread

Your tyre tread is what keeps your car gripping the road, especially in wet conditions. Worn-out tread reduces traction and increases the chances of slipping or hydroplaning. Regularly inspecting your tyre tread is a simple way to ensure your tyres are safe.

  • How to do it: Insert a 20-cent coin into the tread. If the tread doesn’t cover the platypus' bill, it’s time to replace your tyres.

  • Why it matters: Healthy tread means better control of your vehicle, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.


3. Check and Top Up Engine Oil

Engine oil keeps your engine’s parts lubricated and prevents overheating. Without enough oil, your engine can suffer damage over time. Checking and topping up engine oil is a quick DIY task that can prevent expensive repairs.

  • How to do it: Park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, then remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the oil level. If it’s low, top it up with the appropriate oil.

  • Why it matters: Keeping your oil at the right level helps prevent engine wear and extends its lifespan.


4. Test Your Car Battery

Your car’s battery is essential for starting the engine and powering electrical systems. A weak or failing battery can leave you stranded, but regular testing can help you avoid unexpected issues.

  • How to do it: Use a multimeter to check the battery’s voltage. A reading of 12.6 volts or higher means your battery is fully charged. If the reading is below 12.4 volts, it might be time to replace the battery.

  • Why it matters: Regular battery testing can prevent breakdowns and ensure your car starts reliably every time.


5. Replace Wiper Blades

Clear visibility is essential for safe driving, and worn-out wiper blades can make it difficult to see in wet conditions. Fortunately, replacing wiper blades is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks.

  • How to do it: Most wiper blades have a simple clip mechanism. Lift the wiper arm, unclip the old blade, and clip in the new one.

  • Why it matters: Functional wiper blades ensure you can see clearly in all weather conditions, improving safety on the road.


Taking care of these basic DIY maintenance tasks can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. However, for more complex services like wheel alignment, battery testing, or tyre fitting, it’s always best to visit a professional. At Tyrepower Treendale, we’re here to help with all your vehicle’s needs, ensuring it stays in peak condition for the road ahead. Call us or visit Tyrepower Treendale today for expert advice! 

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