[Car Tips] Five DIY Maintenance Tips Every Car Owner Should Learn
Five essential DIY maintenance tips for car owners (Hong Kong edition)
The editor’s personal experience + practical teaching will help you save money and stay safe!
Hello! Life in Hong Kong is fast-paced, and almost every car owner prioritizes "speed, style, and performance." But did you know that many simple car maintenance tasks can actually be performed at home? Not only can you save money by skipping trips to the repair shop, but you can also detect any issues with your car instantly, ensuring the safety of you and your family!
As a seasoned car owner, I'd like to share five of the most practical and easy-to-follow DIY car maintenance tips, specifically tailored to the common driving conditions faced by Hong Kong drivers (humid conditions, traffic jams, frequent short trips, and cramped parking spaces). These tips will help you become a discerning, frugal, and savvy car owner!
1. Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly
Why is it important?
- Hong Kong is rainy and humid, and the roads are slippery. The condition of tires is directly related to braking distance and safety.
- Insufficient air pressure will accelerate tire wear, consume fuel, and even cause tire blowout.
- If the tread is too shallow, it is easy to slip and you will be fined if you violate the rules.
The editor teaches in person
- Tools needed : a small tire pressure gauge (available at auto supply stores/online stores for $50-$200) and a one-dollar coin.
- Inspection frequency : It is recommended to check once a month, and it must be checked before long-distance travel or changing seasons.
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step :
- Tire pressure : Open the driver's door frame. The sticker will indicate the standard tire pressure (usually in psi/kPa). Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires. This is most accurate when the car is cold. If the pressure isn't high enough, get some free air at a gas station.
- Tire tread : Insert the side of a one-dollar coin into the tire tread. If you can see the upper edge of the "one" character, it means the tread is too shallow (less than 1.6mm) and the tire should be replaced.
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Editor's Tips :
- There are many traffic jams in Hong Kong. Driving slowly for a long time will aggravate uneven tire wear. Remember to rotate the tires of all four wheels.
- Tire pressure that is too high or too low is not good, as it will affect handling or fuel consumption.
2. Check the oil level and color yourself
Why is it important?
- Engine oil is responsible for lubrication, cooling and cleaning. Long-term oil shortage or deterioration of oil quality will damage the engine.
- Hong Kong has many short trips and traffic jams, so engine oil deteriorates quickly.
The editor teaches in person
- Tools required : napkins/paper towels.
- Inspection frequency : Once a month, especially during the change of seasons, preparation for long-distance travel, or the first six months of a new vehicle.
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step :
- Stop the vehicle and wait for the engine to cool down for 5-10 minutes.
- Open the hood, pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean with a paper towel and then insert it back.
- Pull out the oil dipstick again and check whether the oil level is between "MIN" and "MAX".
- Check the color of the engine oil. If it is clear and light brown, it is normal. If it is dark black or contains a lot of impurities, change the oil as soon as possible.
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Editor's Tips :
- Hong Kong is hot and humid, so oil consumption is faster in the summer. If you frequently use cooking oil, there may be leakage and you should consult a technician.
- It is recommended to change the engine oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations (5,000-10,000 kilometers), and more frequent changes are recommended for short distances in the city.
3. Refill/replace windshield wipers and glass water
Why is it important?
- Hong Kong has a lot of rain, and the condition of windshield wipers directly affects visibility, making it extremely dangerous if they break down.
- Insufficient windshield washer fluid (cleaner) will make it impossible to clean the windshield immediately when it is dirty, affecting safety.
The editor teaches in person
- Tools required : wiper blades ($50-$200/pair), glass water or diluted detergent water.
- Inspection frequency : once a quarter, or special inspection before rain.
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step :
- Raise the wiper blades and feel the rubber strips to see if they are hardened, cracked, or damaged.
- Turn on the wipers and test whether there is any vibration, scratching or unusual noise.
- If you find that the wiper blade is not clean or leaves water marks, replace the blade immediately.
- Open the hood of the car and fill it with windshield washer fluid (do not use tap water, as Hong Kong water is hard and can easily clog the nozzle).
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Editor's Tips :
- You don't have to buy original wiper blades; there are high-quality aftermarket options.
- The air quality in Hong Kong is poor and dust easily accumulates on the glass. It is recommended to wipe the windshield with a damp cloth every week.
4.Battery health check and simple maintenance
Why is it important?
- Many car owners in Hong Kong "use their cars less and park them more often", and their batteries are easily drained if not used for a long time, which is especially common after the epidemic.
- If the battery is dead, the car will stall and you won’t even be able to open the door.
The editor teaches in person
- Tools required : battery voltage meter ($100-$200), simple tool set.
- Inspection frequency : Once every two months, especially if you don’t drive for a long time.
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step :
- With the engine off, measure the battery voltage (normally about 12.4-12.7V).
- If you notice weak starting, dim dashboard lights, or a weak horn, you should pay attention to the health of your battery.
- Check the battery terminals for oxidation (white powder) and carefully clean them with hot water or baking soda.
- If you don't drive for a long time, it is recommended to drive your car once a week (20 minutes), or consider buying a maintenance charger.
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Editor's Tips :
- Hong Kong is humid and batteries are easily oxidized, so keep the terminals clean.
- If you frequently take short trips or frequently stop and start the car, the battery life will be shortened and it should be checked and replaced every 2-3 years.
5. Replace/clean the cabin air and air conditioning filters yourself
Why is it important?
- Hong Kong's weather is hot and humid, and the air pollution is serious. Air-conditioning filters are prone to dust accumulation, mold, and odor, which affects health.
- If the filter is too dirty, the air conditioner will not be cold enough and the air will have a bad odor.
The editor teaches in person
- Tools required : Aftermarket air conditioning filter ($100-$300), screwdriver.
- Inspection frequency : Once every six months. More frequent inspection is recommended for those who frequently use air conditioning, have children, or have allergies at home.
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step :
- Check the owner's manual. The air conditioning filter is usually hidden under the passenger's feet or behind the glove box.
- Remove the cover and take out the old filter.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or tap to remove dust and replace the filter if necessary.
- Put it back in place and turn on the air conditioner to test.
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Editor's Tips :
- The filter does not have to be the original one, aftermarket high-efficiency filters are just as useful.
- If there is a musty smell, use air freshener spray or place an activated carbon bag.
Conclusion: DIY maintenance saves money and provides peace of mind.
In fact, many basic car maintenance can be done by yourself faster and more reassuringly than going to a repair shop, as long as you are willing to learn and spend a few minutes!
The editor recommends that you:
- Regular inspections can detect problems early and reduce the chances of sudden "dead cars" or damage.
- Doing it yourself not only saves money, but also helps you understand your car better and know how to save yourself when something goes wrong.
If you have other DIY maintenance questions, or want to see advanced tutorials, please leave a message or send a private message to the editor!
Being a smart Hong Kong car owner saves money and protects your life. Why not?
(Remember to share this with your car-owning friends so we can all become smart car owners!)
