#Regular car maintenance checklist how to
#Regular car maintenance checklist install

To find the right size windshield wipers for your car, measure the current blade length and read your owner’s manual. Measure your wipers: Windshield wipers come in several sizes use the wrong ones, and they either won’t fit or won’t work correctly.

Measuring your wiper blades (driver side, passenger side, and rear).

#Regular car maintenance checklist how to

If you live in milder climates, wipers will last approximately a year before they begin streaking or squeaking annoyingly as they work back and forth.įortunately, learning how to replace windshield wipers is a snap by following these steps: Some parts of the country have extreme weather conditions, and recommended replacement is about once every 6 months. This helps the blades conform to the curved glass and is soft enough to squeegee the water off. Windshield wiper blades are typically made of natural rubber or a synthetic compound with the elastic properties of rubber. Generally, it takes about an hour of labor and less than $20 for replacement parts. Installing new terminals isn’t too difficult and the topic for another article. If the battery terminals and posts are badly corroded, replacing the cable terminals is likely necessary. Plastic or rubber battery post caps are about 5 dollars.

#Regular car maintenance checklist install

If the old plastic guards are done, install new ones. Then add acid-neutralizing felt pads to the posts and reconnect the battery terminals.Īpply an anticorrosive material to the battery terminals to prevent future corrosion. Whichever one you utilize, wipe the terminals and posts clean with paper towels or a rag afterward. Or buy a can of battery terminal spray cleaner. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals and battery posts if corrosion buildup is excessive.īaking soda has a thousand and one uses, one of which is a baking soda and water solution that will neutralize the battery acid. Take precautions not to arc the positive leads to avoid short-circuiting and potentially causing damage to the electrical system. If the battery terminals have minor corrosion, disconnect and clean them.

Tools required for cleaning the battery terminals: Hence, cleaning the battery terminals is suitable insurance against future electrical problems. Eventually, it could lead to troubles with one of the many electronically controlled systems present in modern cars. Even minor deterioration can reduce alternator output up to 30%. Inspecting the Car’s Battery (Photo/Derek Mau)Ĭorrosion on the battery terminals can add stress to the vehicle’s charging system. Since a vehicle is a hefty investment, here are some simple maintenance tasks that are straightforward, inexpensive, and will help extend the life of your car.

Doing essential maintenance on your car may seem intimidating, but not everything requires advanced mechanical skills.