The actual schedule of car maintenance varies depending on the year, make, and model of a car, its

driving conditions and driver behaviour. Car makers recommend the so-called extreme or the ideal
service schedule based on impact parameters such as

number of trips and distance travelled per trip per day

extreme hot or cold climate conditions

mountainous, dusty or de-iced roads

heavy stop-and-go vs. long-distance cruising

towing a trailer or other heavy load

Maintenance tasks commonly carried out during a motor vehicle service include:

Change the engine oil

Replace the oil filter

Replace the air filter

Replace the fuel filter

Replace the cabin filter

Replace the spark plugs

Check level and refill brake fluid/clutch fluid

Check Brake Pads/Liners, Brake Discs/Drums, and replace if worn out.

Check level and refill power steering fluid

Check level and refill Automatic/Manual Transmission Fluid

Grease and lubricate components

Inspect and replace the timing belt or timing chain if needed

Check condition of the tires

Check for proper operation of all lights, wipers etc.

Check for any Error codes in the ECU and take corrective action.

Use scan tool read trouble code.

list of things that you should check to avoid getting duped

It’s a standard practise to prepare a job sheet, regardless of the station to which you give your car for service. The sheet acts as a means of
communication between the mechanic and the service advisor. While giving your car for service you may point out certain faults that need to
be taken care of, make sure that you check the car and sheet while taking the delivery just to ensure that everything has been attended to
and the said corrections has been done.

An itemized bill is always prepared after you get the car serviced. Make sure to check that it carries the price of the item as was
approximately quoted to you by the service advisor. Keep an eye open and see in case of engine oil top-up, you are not being charged for
replacement. Human or machine error does happen. It’s better to be vigilant.

Just to be on the safer side it’s advised that you take out the tool kit and other personal belongings out of the car before giving it for service.
If it’s not possible, you can ask the service advisor to mention this on the Job sheet to ensure that it does not get misplaced while it’s being
worked upon. Also, upon taking the delivery ensure that spare wheel and other accessories are intact.

This is last but certainly not the least. While you may be in a hurry to leave with the car after it is serviced. It’s better to take a test drive with
the service advisor and see the issue that you pointed out have actually been sorted out or not, however smaller they may be. Most often it’s
the smaller issues that further aggravate and make the problems worse than they actually were in the first place.

What should I do while choosing a repair shop?

 Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust. Look for a repair shop before you need
one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.
 Shop around by phone and online for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs.
 Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to be licensed or registered. Also, your state
Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency may know whether there's a record of complaints
about a particular repair shop.
 Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle's warranty.
 Before you arrange to have any work performed, ask how the shop prices its work. Some shops charge a flat rate
for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer's estimate of the time
required to complete repairs. Others charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair.
 If you need expensive or complicated repairs, or if you have questions about recommended work, consider getting
a second opinion.
 Find out if there will be a diagnostic charge if you decide to have the work performed elsewhere. Many repair
shops charge for diagnostic time.
 Shops that do only diagnostic work and do not sell parts or repairs may be able to give you an objective opinion
about which repairs are necessary.

5 Most Common Car Diagnostic Codes

A vehicle’s oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust so the engine computer can
adjust the fuel mixture to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions.

If your engine is misfiring it means that one or more of the cylinders isn’t working properly. If your
car is vibrating or shaking while idling and your car isn’t as fuel efficient as it should be, then you
might have an engine misfire problem. The OBD-II system tracks engine misfires by monitoring the
speed of the crankshaft when the engine is running

The evaporation system (EVAP) is responsible for containing and removing vapors that are produced
when fuel is burned. A loose gas cap allowing fuel vapors to escape from the fuel tank can often be the
reason for setting off this trouble code. EVAP includes vent hoses, a charcoal canister, a purge valve
and a pressure or vacuum sensor.
The exhaust gas recirculation, commonly known as EGR, controls the engine’s emission of smog-
causing nitrous oxides (NOx). EGR recirculates part of an engine’s exhaust gas back to the engine
cylinders. The car’s computer system opens and closes valves to recirculate the engine’s exhaust gas

the catalytic converter is “an emissions control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in
exhaust gas to less toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction
reaction).” The converter can become contaminated and increase tailpipe emissions if the engine is
burning oil or leaking coolant internally or is worn out from age.

Repairs that you can doyourself

Car repairs can drain your pocketbook fast, but you can do a wide range of repairs yourself, regardless of your technical skill. We're
not just talking oil changes; provided you can hold a wrench, you can fix everything ranging from fuel filters to alternators. We'll
detail the tools necessary for your DIY toolkit, where to turn to for help when you're making the repairs, and how to tackle some of
the most common car problems yourself.

The biggest hurdle in convincing someone they can handle car repair is the fear factor, but here's the thing: It's actually pretty hard
to permanently screw up a car. You might break something temporarily, or a fix might not work in the long run, but you probably
won't set yourself or your car on fire just because you banged too hard on a valve. Cars are resilient machines and regardless of the
year or make, there are plenty of repairs even the clumsiest and technically challenged can handle provided they have the confidence
to push through.

The Free Tech That Will Help You on Your Way

For a little background, I didn't own a car for about eight years, and before that, I had a small car I barely had the sense to put gas in,
let alone repair anything on. Then, a couple years ago, I was handed down a small truck. Within the first couple weeks, a hose
connection leading to the radiator cracked. I took a picture of the part that seemed to be leaking, walked into an auto parts store,
showed it to them, and they found the replacement part for me. Twenty minutes later it was in and the truck was working again.
Since then, I've helped friends with a wide range of repairs so I could learn more and practice.

For DIY repairs, your computer is your friend. AutoMD and Expert Village are both excellent resources of general purpose
videos, how-to guides, and diagnostic assistance for the most common car problems. AutoMD also has an iPhone app with guides
optimized for mobile viewing. If you need help deciding if a repair is worth your time, RepairPal is an excellent resource for checking
the average cost of repairs in a shop and can help you decide if it's worth the time and effort to do it yourself.

As for the repair work, consider your phone, tablet, or computer the manual. Bring it out to the car with the video guide loaded up or
the walkthrough in front of you. Watch and read over the directions several times so you feel comfortable, but keep your technology
ready in case you need to reference a step. Take a picture of the section you're going to work on with your phone or a digital camera
before you start so you know exactly how the engine is supposed to look if you get lost in the directions. If you feel like you need
paper, you can always print directions or purchase your car's official guide.

For this guide, you can watch the videos embedded within or find step-by-step text instructions linked at the end of each section.
The Common Tools You Need and How to Shop for New Parts

Every car is different, but the myth foreign cars require special tools isn't exactly true. Nearly all cars use basic nuts and bolts for the
most common repairs you need to make. Here's a short list of what you typically need:

 Adjustable wrench

 Torque wrench

 Socket and ratchet set

 Pliers

 Phillips and flat head screwdrivers

 Jack (usually included with your car)