How to do basic setup

Between scheduled oil changes and scheduled maintenance, cars can run for quite a long time without getting even a brief inspection from a professional. Fortunately, some things that usually need to be checked or replaced can be serviced right at home. Not only can this simple maintenance save you money in the long run, it can actually add many more miles to your mileage.

While car repair can be a daunting topic to learn, taking on the responsibility of basic maintenance and repairs to your own car can be a lot of fun. With some training and hand tools, you will be able to learn in detail about the machine you use on a daily basis and save time, money and hassle by doing basic repairs yourself.

No matter what type of repair or service your vehicle needs, there are four areas to be prepared for, which will enable you to better deal with questions and concerns regarding your vehicle's basic service and repair. With training in the areas listed below, you can feel confident to try basic repairs yourself.

If there are any problems along the way, or if you think you're not doing well, don't hesitate to ask a professional for help.

Part 1 of 10: Prepare materials for setup and possible repairs

No matter what type of repair or service your vehicle needs, there are four areas to be prepared for, which will enable you to better deal with questions and concerns regarding your vehicle's basic service and repair. With preparation in all the areas listed in the steps below, you can feel confident to try basic repairs yourself.

Step 1: Get a service manual for your car. It is strongly recommended that anyone who is going to work on their vehicle first purchase a quality service manual designed for that vehicle.

Haynes is highly recommended and today produces service manuals for just about every car on the road. The book is easy to read and contains detailed information about each system installed in your vehicle, as well as step-by-step instructions for performing various repair or maintenance procedures.

Step 2Get an OBD-II Scanner. An OBD-II scanner is essential if you are planning to repair a car older than 1996.

Retrieving trouble codes from a car's computer can be very tricky and often impossible without an OBD-II scanner on hand.

Having an OBD-II scanner will give you the ability to "talk" to the car's computer and get trouble codes that cause the Check Engine light to come on. Each code will point you in the direction in which the engine is experiencing problems.

Having a code is the car's way of saying, “Hey! I don't feel well, and that's where it hurts." Just like when you go to the doctor when you are sick.

There are over 100 OBD codes that mean different things. When the Check Engine light comes on, the first thing you want to do is get that code and then go online and study the code. Each code is unique to a specific system in your vehicle, and by consulting your service manual, you can determine what the problem is and whether you can do this repair yourself or need to enlist the help of a professional.

• FunctionsA: If more than one code is present in your vehicle, you always want to diagnose and repair to resolve the first code that was received as the codes below it could be sympathy codes. The code of sympathy is the result of the impact of the primary code on more than one system.

Step 3: Have the right tools and supplies. Before you start any repairs or adjustments, you should have some commonly used tools and automotive supplies on hand.

You don't need to have special tools to work on your car. In fact, most mechanics use basic tools to do most repairs.

Quality tools don't have to be expensive. Craftman tools are great for car repairs and come with a lifetime warranty should you ever manage to break one of them. There are many mechanics tool kits that also come with everything you need. Your needs and budget will determine your tool purchases.

Before diving into the setup, it's important to gather everything you need to get it right. In addition to your basic tools, there are some other common automotive supplies you'll need ahead of time.

Necessary materials

• Brake fluid
• Coolant
• Drain pans
• Engine oil suitable for your vehicle
• Fire extinguisher
• Flat blade (various sizes)
• Jack
• Gloves
• Phillips screwdrivers (various sizes)
• Power steering fluid
• Rags or paper towels
• Ratchet (⅜") and matching socket set
• Safety glasses
• Safety jack stands
• Transmission fluid

• Windshield washer fluid

• Functions: Most socket sets include sockets in sizes 10-19mm. Other sizes can be purchased separately.

In addition, be prepared to replace the following automotive parts (or have them replaced by a professional) if necessary:

• Battery
• Brake pads and/or brake discs
• Tires
• Wiper blades

Step 4: Know and Take Precautions. Safety is an extremely important point to consider when working on a vehicle.

Be sure to buy yourself a pair of good safety goggles and mechanic's gloves. Goggles help protect your eyes from falling debris or liquid splashes while working under or around your vehicle, while gloves add an extra layer of protection by minimizing minor cuts, abrasions and burns.

When working with gasoline or hot liquids, it is important to have a small fire extinguisher, keep it charged and within reach. While it's unlikely that a fire will break out, it's always best to play it safe.

When dealing with any liquids, make sure you have trays to collect old liquids and be sure to dispose of them properly. Most auto parts stores will gladly recycle used fluids for you. It's also a good idea to keep a bag of cheap cat litter in case you accidentally spill it. The cat litter is convenient to absorb spilled liquid, making it much easier to clean up spilled liquid.

The best basic repair starts with knowledge and preparation, and knowing these four areas can better prepare you for any repair you plan to do yourself. By following these four steps, you will be sure that you are as ready as possible.

Part 2 of 10: Oil Check

Oil is what keeps an engine running smoothly, and not enough can cause serious damage. An oil check is the perfect place to start tuning your car.

Step 1: Start with a cold engine. Stop the engine and wait 10-15 minutes for it to cool down a bit.

Step 2: Locate the dipstick next to the oil cap.. The oil cap is easy to see if you look at the engine compartment. It will be clearly marked and possibly a bright color such as yellow or red. Near this cap there will be a handle to the probe.

This dipstick will show you how much oil is in the engine. Have a rag (or paper towel) ready before you pull the handle to remove the dipstick.

Step 3: Remove and reinsert the dipstick. Pull the dipstick until it is fully open and wipe it with a rag.

Take a clean dipstick and insert it back into the engine. Now pull it out again and it will accurately measure the amount of oil in the engine.

Step 4: Check the oil level on the dipstick. The dipstick will have lines or notches indicating the level the oil should reach.

If there is little oil, then you can add to the engine through the oil cap.

Step 5: Add oil if necessary and check the oil level again.. Unscrew the oil filler cap and pour in a small amount of oil (moderate amount if the oil is especially low). Do not attempt to fill with oil through the small dipstick hole.

Clean the dipstick again and measure the amount of oil. Repeat this process until there is enough oil in the engine.

If there are two lines or marks on the dipstick, try to bring the oil to between the two marks.

If there is very little oil, there may be a leak. The motor can also eat oil. Proper diagnosis of the problem by a certified mechanic will save time and money in the long run.

Part 3 of 10: Checking the transmission fluid

Since the transmission fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment around the engine itself, it can be easily checked right after the oil. Here's what to do:

Step 1 Locate the dipstick next to the transmission fluid cap.. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean, then reinsert.

Step 2: Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick.. Measure the transmission fluid level by pulling out the cleaned dipstick and looking at the lines or notches to see where the fluid is getting into.

Add more transmission fluid to the transmission fluid cap if it is low.

Part 4 of 10. Check other fluids

Step 1. Locate the reservoirs with the remaining liquid.. There are plastic tanks that are used to store brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Step 2: Check fluid levels by looking at the tanks.. All of these fluid reservoirs must be marked on the outside indicating what the fluid level should be.

Step 3: Add more liquid as needed. Brake fluid and power steering fluid may already be at the correct level, but windshield washer fluid should be topped up regularly. Add more if it's not already full.

Part 5 of 10: Battery Check

Step 1: Check the battery for signs of leakage or corrosion.. Look at the battery terminals for blue or white deposits or rusty areas.

Rust can be removed from the battery terminals with baking soda and a brush. If the battery is leaking, it should be replaced.

Part 6 of 10: Check the Air Filter

Step 1: Remove the air filter. Locate the air filter box, usually towards the front of the engine.

If the air filter is easily accessible, remove it. Pay attention to how the filter was installed when you replace it with a new filter.

Step 2 Clean the filter or replace it.. If the air filter is only slightly dirty, you can beat some of the dirt out of it or blow it out with an air compressor.

If it is in poor condition, it should be replaced. Insert the new air filter in the same position as the old one and replace the air filter housing.

Part 7 of 10: Check your tires

Tires are the vehicle's only point of contact with the road, and bald or damaged tires are a real hazard. Avoid loss of traction and blown tires by inspecting your tires regularly.

Step 1: Check the air in your tires. Using a small hand-held tire pressure gauge or a pressure gauge built into the air pump, check the air pressure in the tires.

The recommended PSI value is written on the side of the tires.

Step 2: Add air to tires as needed.. If the initial pressure readings indicate insufficient pressure, use an air compressor to inflate the tires.

Try to keep the air pressure in the tire between the recommended values ​​when inflating the tire.

Step 3: Check tire tread and wear.. Inspect the tread of each tire. If the tread is shallow (2 mm or less), the tires probably need to be replaced.

If the tires are not overly worn, inspect the sidewalls of the tires for signs of cracking or any damage that could eventually lead to a rupture. If they are in good condition, the tires are good.

• Functions: To keep your tires wearing even and even, consider having them rotated by a professional.

Part 8 of 10: Check your brakes

At this point you can close the hood, get in the car and turn on the headlights to let them warm up for a minute before they are tested in the next step after the brake test.

Step 1: Step on the brake pedal and feel how responsive the braking is.. Watch out for brakes that feel weak or spongy.

Step 2: Make sure the brake pedal is secure.. There should be no “play” (uncontrolled movement) of the brake pedal either left or right or front to back. This can lead to unpredictable pedal movement, which is unsafe for the driver.

• A warningA: If anything seems wrong or wrong about the brakes, check them immediately.

Part 9 of 10: Check your headlights

Step 1: Park the vehicle with the engine idling and the parking brake applied.. Make sure the transmission is in park mode and get out to inspect the headlights.

Step 2: Visually inspect the headlights by looking at the bulbs.. See if the lights get brighter or dimmer when the car is idling and note any flickering that may occur.

Step 3: Look at the drawing of the headlight beams. Point the lights at a wall or fence to see if the beams create a symmetrical pattern. They can be adjusted if not.

If only one light is dim, it may be a good idea to replace the bulb.

Turn on the high beam and test it in the same way to make sure it is in good working order.

Part 10 of 10: Check your windshield wipers

Step 1: Check the wiper blades.. Spray the windshield with windshield washer fluid and then use the wipers to remove it.

Raise the wiper blades and inspect the edge of the wiper to make sure the edge is smooth. Clean the wiper blades if necessary.

Poorly performing wiper blades are more of a hazard than a help - if your wipers are leaving streaks and streaks instead of a clear view through your windshield, it's time to replace them.

Back in the car, start the engine and let it run for a minute. Listen for any unusual sounds and look for warning lights on the dashboard. Shift all gear positions to make sure it runs smoothly. Wash the windshield with washer fluid and see how the wipers work. Check all interior lighting and turn signals. Once all this is done and everything is up and running, you can rest easy knowing that your car is in order.

If during the course of tuning your car you find something that really bothers you, feel free to call a certified mechanic to take a look. A mobile mechanic, for example from AvtoTachki, can come to you and diagnose any problems with your car.