What would be basic car maintenance?
Posted by TraditionSlow5853@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hello everyone! I 18f recently got a new car (2020 Honda HRV if it matters), this is my second car that I’ve had but this one is all mine so I wanted to really take care of it. I will be honest and admit that I had no idea about any of this until my old car ultimately started breaking down. I’ve been doing some of my own research but wanted to look for more perspectives that have a little more soul than online websites lol.
My main goal here is to truly learn how to maintain my car on my own and about overall car maintenance so what would be considered the basics or main things for car maintenance? I have seen a lot about oil changes and such but being honest again, I would like a “for dummies” version of it (lots of car lingo that make no sense even with extensive Google research).
I really need some guidance here (Dad doesn’t really know much about cars either lol) that will save my ass in the present and future. Any advice/info/etc will be greatly appreciated! Thank y’all so much in advance.
TraditionSlow5853@reddit (OP)
Thanks to everyone who has commented! All of this is very useful, I truly do appreciate it :)
PositiveMiserable84@reddit
The manual in your glove box has a manufacturer maintenance schedule. Sprinkle in Google and YouTube, it it doesn't make sense with basic searching then take it to a mechanic.
mandatoryclutchpedal@reddit
Exactly. First stop is the owners manual. Second stop is the owners manual, except without the skimming from the first time.
Then are simple Google search about how to do what the manual says
glink48@reddit
Yep, the manual tells you what needs to be done and when.
Google and YouTube will show you how to do it.
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Talk to your guidance counselor and sign up for a summer auto-mechanic's class at your local community college. Should be free or close to it and there should still be time to sign up if you do it now.
They'll teach you basic theory of operation of all the things, as well as how to do basic, and sometimes advanced maintenance. Best part is you can often bring in your own car and do your own work on the lifts (oil changes, brakes, wheel balancing, fluid changes, drive belts, filters, AC service, etc. All that is easily worth over $1k in labor my a local mechanic, and well worth any fee charged for the class. Then when you're done with the class you'll already know what tools, equipment, and safe work methods you'll need to DIY at home.
That was the single most useful educational class I ever took in my life. Has saved me many thousands of dollars, time and hassle over the last 4 decades of car ownership and DIY maintenance.
Enjoy your journey!
AdFabulous3959@reddit
IMO, Basic Maintenance means you know how to check and change your own oil, change a tire, check other fluids, replace wiper blades… stuff like that. Very basic stuff that is easily learned. There are lots of videos out there that are very helpful and free. Subaru for instance posts some really good videos showing how to do lots of different things to their products.
Ubunkus@reddit
Watch The Car Care Nut on YouTube, the how to maintain your car series. He talks about Toyota but it's essentially the same for Hondas.
bigchongus42@reddit
So there’s tons of resources out there. One that really helps is YouTube. Start learning your engine model and stuff like that. If it looks like your car in the video that helps! But when I have an old 4Runner I use to watch this chick a lot on YouTube named Faye Hadley. She did a great job of explaining it even though I was already familiar with cars. But just some motivation. You got this. But maybe start practicing on a lawn mower first and then work up to your daily driver… not saying you can’t do it! But low risk first then after you learn go up to something bigger.
Tldr YouTube is your friend😬