7 Basic Car Inspection and Repair Skills Drivers Should Know

Basic car inspection and repair is the process of performing maintenance operations and fixing simple problems on cars, to maintain stable and safe operation of the vehicle.

These jobs usually do not require too much specialized knowledge or complicated tools, but are very important to ensure that the vehicle is always in the best condition when used. Especially in an emergency.

According to Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport: Self-repairing cars can help drivers save from 15% to 20% on maintenance costs, especially for simple errors such as replacing air filters, replacing windshield wipers, etc.

7 basic skills that every driver needs to master to be able to check and repair their own car include:

• Check and replace battery.
• Replace engine air filter.
• Change tire.
• Replace air conditioner filter.
• Check coolant and windshield washer fluid.
• Replace wiper blades.
• Check engine oil.

Find out more details below.

Battery Check and Replace

Drivers should know how to check and replace batteries to prevent starting problems, protect the electrical system, and increase safety. Battery testing includes: visual inspection, voltage testing, and battery life monitoring.

Replacing the battery requires proper technique of turning off the engine, removing the negative terminal first, and installing the positive terminal before completing.

1. Why should drivers know how to check and replace batteries?

Knowing how to check and replace batteries is a necessary skill for drivers because:

• Preventing Vehicle Starting Problems: If your vehicle fails to start at a critical time, such as when parked in a remote location or during inclement weather, understanding and replacing the battery in a timely manner can help you avoid having to call for help, saving you time and stress.
• Protect your vehicle's electrical system: A weak battery not only makes it difficult to start, but also affects other electrical systems in the vehicle. An unstable electrical system can damage important electronic devices such as sensors and ECU (engine control unit).
• Increased safety and reduced risk: In emergency situations such as on the highway or in remote rural areas, a vehicle that cannot be started due to a weak battery can pose a major risk. Drivers who proactively check their batteries regularly will reduce this risk.

2. Battery testing steps

Perform battery testing by following these steps:

• Visual inspection: Look for signs of oxidation or rust on the positive and negative terminals. If there are signs of corrosion, you can use soda water and a metal brush to clean it.
• Use a voltmeter: To know the exact condition of the battery, use a voltmeter to check. The optimal voltage level of the battery is 12,6V or higher when the car is off. If it is below 12,4V, the battery may be weak and needs to be replaced.
• Check battery life: If it has been more than 2-3 years of use, even if there are no specific signs, drivers should consider replacing it to avoid unexpected problems.

3. How to replace the battery

The steps to replace the battery include:

• Turn the engine off completely: This ensures safety and prevents electrical accidents when working with the battery terminals.
• Remove the negative terminal first: Remove the negative terminal (usually black or marked (-)) first to avoid the risk of short circuit. Then remove the positive terminal (usually red or marked (+)).
• Replace the new battery: Place the new battery in the correct position, making sure the new battery is suitable for the capacity and size of the vehicle.
• Install the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal: This helps protect the vehicle's electrical components and avoids the risk of short circuits when replacing the battery.

Replace Engine Air Filter

Drivers should know how to change the engine air filter to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption, saving up to 10% fuel. At the same time, changing the air filter properly protects the engine from dirt, prolongs the life of the vehicle and reduces the risk of engine damage.

1. Why should drivers know how to change engine air filters?

Knowing how to change an engine air filter is an important skill that drivers need to master because:

• Improved engine performance: A clean air filter ensures that sufficient oxygen is supplied to the combustion chamber, helping the engine operate at optimal performance. This reduces fuel consumption and increases vehicle operating efficiency.
• Reduced fuel consumption: According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), changing the air filter at the right time can save up to 10% on fuel, especially useful for drivers who often travel long distances.
• Engine Protection: Air filters play an important role in preventing dirt and small particles that can cause wear on internal engine parts, especially pistons and cylinders. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), using a dirty air filter can increase the risk of engine failure by up to 20%.
• Extending vehicle life: Changing the air filter properly not only helps the engine run well but also prolongs the life of the vehicle, especially when the vehicle has to operate in dusty environments or harsh climates.

2. Steps to change engine air filter

Drivers can replace the engine air filter by following these steps:

• Remove the wind sensor connector: This disconnects the sensor system from the filter, preventing false alarms from being triggered.
• Open the air filter box: Remove the latches or screws holding the air filter box.
• Replace air filter: Install a new air filter after removing the old one. According to experts, air filters should be replaced every 15.000 - 30.000 km depending on road conditions and the vehicle's operating environment.
• Close the air filter cover and re-connect the sensor connector: Make sure all parts are securely reassembled.

Tire Change

Drivers should know how to change a tire to save on rescue costs of 300.000 - 500.000 VND each time and reduce the risk of long waiting times in emergency situations. The steps to change a tire include: getting the tool kit, loosening the bolts, placing the hydraulic jack in the correct position, removing the wheel and tightening the bolts in a symmetrical order after replacing the new tire.

1. Why should drivers know how to change tires?

Changing a tire is one of the important skills that any driver needs to know because:

• Save time and money: Changing your own tire can save you about 300.000 - 500.000 VND in rescue costs each time your tire is punctured.
• Reduced waiting risk: In case of a flat tire in a remote area or in severe weather conditions, waiting for rescue can take up to 1-2 hours, posing a danger to the driver and passengers.
• Safety for yourself and your family: Knowing how to change a tire helps you avoid situations where your car gets stuck in the middle of the road, especially in dangerous areas, and also protects the safety of everyone in the car.
• Extend the life of your spare tire: By replacing your tire properly and regularly, you can ensure that your spare tire is used more efficiently and lasts longer.

In a survey from Michelin, about 12% of drivers have problems with their tires each year, and of those, 65% don't know how to change a tire.

2. Steps to change a tire

When changing a car tire, follow these steps:

• Get a tire changing kit: The kit usually includes a jack, wrench, and spare tire.
• Loosen the nuts: Use a wrench to gently loosen the wheel nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Hydraulic Jack Position: Make sure the jack is positioned at the designated lifting point, usually the location marked under the vehicle.
• Remove the wheel: After the wheel is raised 7-10cm from the ground, completely remove the screws and replace the new tire.
• Tighten the screws in symmetrical order: This helps the wheel to be mounted evenly, avoiding wheel misalignment.

Replace Air Conditioner Filter

Drivers should know how to change the air conditioning filter to improve the air quality in the car, ensure health and save fuel. Changing the air filter periodically also helps maintain cooling performance and increase the life of the air conditioning system, avoiding major repair costs.

The procedure for replacing the air conditioner filter includes removing the glove compartment, replacing or cleaning the air filter, then reinstalling the air filter and attaching the glove compartment to its original position.

1. Why should drivers know how to change air conditioner filters?

Knowing how to change the air conditioner filter brings many benefits to drivers because:

• Improve air quality in the car: Clean air filters help remove small dust particles and allergens from the outside air, ensuring that the air in the cabin is always fresh and safe for health. Especially for people with allergies or respiratory diseases, air conditioning filters play an important role in maintaining health.
• Fuel economy: When the air filter is dirty, the air conditioning system has to work harder, increasing fuel consumption. Replacing the air filter at the right time can help reduce fuel consumption by 5-10%, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Extend the life of your air conditioning system: Dirty air conditioning filters can damage the fan and other system components, causing your air conditioner to operate less efficiently or stop working altogether. Regularly replacing your air filters helps maintain cooling performance and avoid major repair costs.
• Ensures optimal cooling performance: Dirty air filters reduce airflow, which means the air conditioner cannot cool quickly. Drivers often feel the car cabin is hotter or the air is not circulating properly when the system has problems with the air filter.

2. Steps to change air conditioner filter

The process of replacing the air conditioner filter includes:

• Removing the glove box: The air conditioner filter is usually located behind or under the glove box on the passenger side. Use a screwdriver to remove the plastic plugs holding the glove box in place.
• Replace or clean the air filter: After removing the storage compartment, you will see the air filter cover. Open the cover, take out the air filter to clean or replace it. For vehicles traveling in dusty environments, drivers should replace the air filter every 12.000 - 15.000km to ensure operating efficiency.
• Reinstall the air filter: After cleaning or replacing, reinstall the air filter and return the storage compartment to its original position.

Check Coolant and Windshield Washer Fluid

Drivers should know how to check coolant and windshield washer fluid to prevent engine overheating, protect the engine, maintain clear visibility in all conditions and save on maintenance costs.

Checking the coolant and windshield washer fluid involves observing the fluid level above the Min-Max line of the reservoir and adding the correct type of fluid as required by the manufacturer when necessary.

1. Why should drivers know how to check coolant and windshield washer fluid?

Knowing how to check coolant and windshield washer fluid is an essential skill for every driver because:

• Prevent Engine Overheating: Engines generate heat constantly, and without coolant, temperatures can rise to 120°C or more, causing serious damage to components such as cylinders, pistons, and pipes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), engine overheating accounts for up to 50% of highway vehicle incidents.
• Protects the engine and prolongs the life of the vehicle: Coolant not only helps cool the vehicle but also lubricates the components of the cooling system such as the water pump, helping to minimize wear. Failure to check and add coolant in time can cause engine damage with repair costs ranging from 5 million to 20 million VND.
• Ensures clear visibility in all conditions: Windshield washer fluid helps drivers maintain clear vision, especially in dusty conditions or when the windscreen is dirty. Lack of washer fluid reduces the ability to clean the windscreen, increasing the risk of an accident. According to the Transport Research Foundation (TRF), nearly 30% of crashes in rainy weather are caused by poor visibility caused by a dirty windscreen.
• Save on maintenance costs: Overheating the engine or dirty windshields can lead to expensive replacements of components such as the engine or cooling system. Meanwhile, checking and topping up coolant and windshield washer fluid only costs a few tens of thousands of dong each time, saving millions of dong.

2. How to check coolant and windshield washer fluid

Here's how to check your coolant and windshield washer fluid:

• Coolant and windshield washer fluid level: Observe the Min-Max marking on the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the Min mark, it should be added immediately to ensure proper operation of the cooling system and windshield washer fluid.
• Add the right fluids: Use coolant and windshield washer fluid that meets the manufacturer’s requirements. These fluids often have special properties that help protect the system from corrosion and deposits and optimize cooling and cleaning efficiency.

Replace Wiper Blades

Drivers should know how to change their wipers to ensure optimal visibility in poor weather conditions, reduce the risk of accidents, save on maintenance costs and ensure maximum performance of driver assistance systems.

The steps to replace a wiper blade include removing the old blade using the lever on the wiper arm and installing the new blade, making sure it fits snugly and securely in the wiper arm groove.

1. Why should drivers know how to change wiper blades?

Knowing how to change wiper blades is a basic but very important skill for drivers because:

• Ensures optimal visibility: Efficient wipers keep the windshield clean, providing drivers with clear vision. According to research from the University of Michigan, in heavy rain, drivers can lose 90% of their reflexes if their wipers are not working properly, especially in emergency situations.
• Improve driving safety: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 1,35 million accidents each year related to poor visibility due to bad weather conditions. Keeping your wipers in good working order will help reduce the risk of accidents, especially in stormy weather conditions.
• Save on maintenance costs: Replacing your wipers early will help prevent damage to your windshield. Worn wipers can leave scratches on the glass, leading to having to replace the entire windshield, which can cost up to 3-5 million VND. Meanwhile, the cost of replacing wiper blades ranges from only 150.000 - 400.000 VND.
• Ensuring maximum performance of driver assistance systems: Modern driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane keeping assist rely heavily on windshield-mounted cameras and sensors. Poorly functioning windshield wipers can reduce the accuracy of these systems, increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Steps to replace wiper blades

How to replace car wiper blades as follows:

• Remove the old wiper: Use the tab on the wiper to remove the old wiper blade. This is a simple procedure but must be done correctly to avoid damaging the wiper or windshield.
• Installing the new wiper blade: Make sure the new blade fits the size and shape of the wiper arm. When installing, check to make sure the blade is securely attached and fits properly in the wiper arm groove.

Check Engine Oil

Drivers should know how to check engine oil to maintain optimal performance, prevent engine wear and damage, reduce the risk of overheating, and save on long-term maintenance costs.

Checking engine oil involves pulling out the dipstick to check the oil level, observing the color, and checking the consistency of the oil to ensure it still lubricates well and is not depleted or oxidized.

1. Why should drivers know how to check engine oil?

Knowing how to check engine oil is an indispensable skill for every driver because:

• Maintaining optimal engine performance: Engine oil not only lubricates moving parts, but also reduces friction and heat. When oil is low or of poor quality, the engine will operate at a lower capacity, consume more fuel and break down faster. According to the International Motor Maintenance Association (IMA), low oil or poor quality oil can reduce engine performance by up to 30%.
• Prevents engine wear and damage: Engine oil helps prevent wear on internal engine parts, especially pistons and cylinders. If the oil is not checked and changed in time, the engine can encounter serious problems such as overheating, damage to bearings or valves. According to statistics from the International Automobile Engineering Association (ITAE), an engine without oil or dirty oil can cause serious damage, with repair costs ranging from 10 million to 50 million VND.
• Minimize the risk of engine overheating: Engine oil, in addition to its lubricating function, also has the role of cooling internal components by transferring heat to the outside. If there is a lack of oil, the engine will easily overheat, leading to piston burning and cylinder damage. Regularly checking the oil level helps the driver detect and replenish it in time to avoid serious problems.
• Save on long-term maintenance costs: Regular oil changes cost an average of 500.000 to 1.500.000 VND depending on the type of oil and engine capacity. However, if the oil is not changed on time, the cost of repairing engine damage can be up to tens of millions of VND. Checking and changing oil on time helps reduce long-term maintenance costs and keeps the vehicle in the best condition.

2. How to check engine oil

Car drivers check engine oil by following these steps:

• Remove the dipstick: Pull out the dipstick and wipe off any oil stuck on it. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the tube, pull it out again and check the oil level. If the oil is below the Min line, add oil immediately.
• Look at the color of the oil: New oil is usually pale yellow or honey-colored. If the oil turns black or thickens, it is a sign that the oil is depleted or oxidized and needs to be replaced.
• Check the oil consistency: If the oil appears thick and no longer smooth as before, this indicates that the oil has lost its lubricating properties and needs to be replaced immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cars

1. How to handle when the car overheats on the road?

If your car engine overheats, you should turn it off immediately and wait for the car to cool. Then check the coolant level and add more if necessary. If that doesn't solve the problem, call for help.

2. How often should I have my car serviced?

The car should be periodic maintenance every 5.000 – 10.000km or at least every 6 months, depending on usage conditions. Regular maintenance helps detect potential faults early and prolongs the life of the vehicle.

3. How to check the vehicle's electrical system?

You can use a voltage meter to check power system. The battery voltage when the car is off should be around 12,6V, and when the engine is running, the voltage should range from 13,7V – 14,7V.

4. How long can a tire last before it needs to be replaced?

A typical tire has a lifespan of 40.000 – 80.000km. However, this depends on road conditions and driving style. If your tire shows signs of wear or bulge, you should tire replacement right.

5. When should you replace your car headlights?

Headlights should be checked regularly and replaced when the light is weak or after every 2-3 years of use to ensure good visibility at night and in low light conditions. Read the article now: Notes when upgrading/repairing car headlights correct regulations shared on the website.

6. Where should I go for reliable car maintenance and repair?

With over a decade of experience in the auto maintenance and repair industry, Thanh Phong Auto has affirmed itself as one of the leading reliable addresses in Ho Chi Minh City, trusted and chosen by many car owners.

Thanh Phong Auto has a team of professional and experienced technicians who always perform a comprehensive inspection process and accurately assess the vehicle's condition before providing the most appropriate maintenance and repair solutions. Furthermore, the garage is equipped with advanced technology equipment, ensuring high quality service.

Other outstanding advantages:

• 100% genuine spare parts: Thanh Phong Auto commits to using only genuine spare parts, imported directly from reputable manufacturers. This not only helps the vehicle operate safely and efficiently but also prolongs the life of each part.
• Professional service: Not only are the staff here technically sound, they are also well-trained in customer service skills. Their dedication and professionalism will give you a peace of mind experience.
• Transparent pricing: Thanh Phong Auto always provides detailed and clear quotes before starting any repair item, helping customers avoid unnecessary additional costs.

If you are looking for a reliable car repair and maintenance address, come to Thanh Phong Auto.