Sergeant Clutch Certified Engine & Transmission Shop

6557 Walzem Road San Antonio, Texas 78239 Call 210-239-1600
 
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DIY Car Maintenance Tips


We all have that one thing we wish we were experts at. Many of us wish we were car experts! We spend on average 2 hours a day in our car, but do we really know it? We trust our car to take care of us, but when it breaks down, we have no idea where to begin. Taking your car to a mechanic and having to find a rental car can be a pain, but we have some tips that can help you stay safe on the streets for even longer.

Don’t think you can’t do it! These are just simple preventative tips to keep you going. Here are some do-it-yourself car maintenance tips from our auto experts here at Sergeant Clutch:

 

Air Filters

You should replace your air filter every 12 months or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. Air filters take around 10 minutes to replace, so if you can do it yourself, you won’t have to wait long hours at the mechanic.

  • Step 1: Lift your hood, and locate your filter. You will probably find it in a black rectangular box with metal clips on the side. If you can’t find it, check your owner’s manual.
  • Step 2: Open the casing, and examine the air filter. Notice how it was placed and which side is facing which way.
  • Step 3: Remove the dirty air filter, and place the new one exactly how the old one was.
  • Step 4: Close the metal clips when you are finished.

 

Windshield Wipers

You never realize how bad your windshield wipers are until you’re caught in a big storm. Worn wiper blades can make it difficult to see the road in heavy rain. We recommend changing your blades twice a year. Depending where you live and how often it rains could determine if you need to replace them more frequently or less often. Wiper blades are sold for around $10 to $20 and only take a few minutes to replace.

  • Step 1: Lift the blades up, and notice how the blades connect to the metal arms.
  • Step 2: On most models, there will be a tab underneath the wiper. Push the tab to remove the old blade.
  • Step 3: Attach the new blades. Do not bend the wiper arms, and be careful you don’t scratch your windshield. Make sure the new wipers are secure, tight, and lined up correctly.

 

Change the Oil

Most of us know this, but you should change your oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Oil changes can get pricey. Depending where you go and what time you go, you may have to wait a while for your oil change, too. If you can change your oil yourself, you will save yourself time and money.

Before you start, here are some precautions. Never change your oil when your engine is hot. Put your car in park and wait for it to cool. You’ll need to jack up your car, so make sure you know how to handle a jack safely and correctly.

  • Step 1: Jack up your car, get under it, and locate the vehicle’s oil pan.
  • Step 2: Unscrew the drain plug, and drain the old oil into your oil pan.
  • Step 3: After you have drained the oil, replace the drain plug.
  • Step 4: Go back to your engine, and use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
  • Step 5: Use new motor oil to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter.
  • Step 6: Fill the new oil filter about two-thirds full with new oil.
  • Step 7: Screw in the new oil filter with your hands.
  • Step 8: Use a funnel to fill the engine with new oil.
  • Step 9: Make sure you’ve added enough oil by measuring the oil level with a dip-stick. That’s it!

 

Change Fuses

Have your dashboard lights or radio ever stopped working? The answer could simply lie in your fuse box! Fuses protect your car by preventing too much current from damaging the electrical components. If a fuse detects an overload, it breaks the circuit. This cuts the power to any electrical components it’s connected to.

Don’t worry. Fuses are inexpensive and easy to replace! The first step is to locate your fuse box, which might be in your trunk or near your steering wheel. Check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure where it is. Fuses typically cost around $1 and only take a couple minutes to replace. Just remove the blown fuse, and replace it with the new one.

 

Contact Sergeant Clutch for Further Assistance

Let’s be honest, car maintenance isn’t for everyone. That’s where we come in! Some things we should leave to the professionals – not just for our car’s safety, but for our own safety, too! Trust Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission and Auto Repair Shop to take the best care of your car. We’ll make sure you receive quality repair service for a great price. Call us at 210-239-1600!