Please Help, I Have No Idea About How to Maintain a Car & I Don't Know Where to Start =(?

Question

Hi everyone, i just graduated hs, and got my drivers license, i know how to drive and all
i currently drive a 02 camry, been driving for 4 months,
i just do not know how to perform maitenance on my car.
i have no clue or know any first thing about cars, i dont even know how the parts and engine functions and what they are called.

Can anyone thoroughly explain what i have to do in order to keep my car running smoothly and lessen my chances of breaking down on me? a list would be easiest!

Everyones' answers are greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Oh boy. I knew basic maintance before I got in HS. But I grew up in hickville where you have to do this stuff for yourself.
Check oil everytime you fuel up
Check radiator fluid (when cold or you could end up with nasty burns)
Check tires for even or abnormal wear
Air filter if its full of dirt and tumble weeds you'll want a new one
There are probably various grease certs around the vehicle if you don't know what those are and what they do you best take it to a mechanic you know and trust and let them do it.

Answer 2

The manual of the car should say what kind of maintenance it needs. The most frequent thing is engine oil changes, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, then maybe tire rotation every six months and a new air filter every year. Check the manual (or buy one online) for things like transmission fluid changes, coolant fluid changes and brake pad replacements. I'd have the brake pads checked once a year, some places do it free, others charge like $30 and check a lot of other things while they're at it.

Answer 3

the most important thing is to change the oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever comes first. you also need to check you oil, an easy way to remember is to do it every other time you get gas. you have a newer vehichle so you should be ok on that front. if you go to a toyota dealer, they will have a mantinace schedule that is recommended for your vehicle. it also helps keep your warranty valid. the mantienace schedule is really all you need, that will take care of most things. and if something does break or your car just doesn't seem right, take it to the dealer. if you have a problem and just leave it go, it could get worse and end up costing you more money to fix it.

Answer 4

Find a mechanic you can trust. Talk to your friends and see where they go or perhaps your parents or a friends. Try to stay away from quick lube places. They tend to be in a hurry a lot of times and sometimes screw things up. They are also sometimes untrained wannabe mechanics. Pay the extra bucks and go to an actual auto shop. If you are concerned with your car breaking down or any problems that may occur, get a full vehicle inspection. It will cost you andywhere from $50 to $100 for a quality inspection.

Answer 5

for basics you can always go to 'how stuff work'. regarding routine checks and maintenance you can refer your owners manual. that's the basic you required for normal operation of a car. for anything extra you need specialised tools and a genuine interest in automobiles and some spare time. and please note - car buffs do such thing to satisfy their ego and curio city; not because it is always the best option.
lastly consider this scenario:
you are on your way and your car break down.
you will just try to start it a few times and then call for a tow.
and what a car buff will do in such condition?
he will jump out, pop up the bonnet, look here and there, pull the wires in random, burn a finger, get back to car, turn the ignition a few times and then call for a tow!

Answer 6

Most importantly, make sure to check the fluids weekly, those being the oil, the transmission fluid, and the coolant. Check the air pressure in your tires every week too. Maintenance wise, you mostly need to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles or so.

Here is a site with more info:
http://www.samarins.com/longtrip/index.html

Answer 7

any car needs oil change every 3000 miles at least,& check oil level once a week (depending on how good is the engine )if it is burning oil or not,also check radiator coolant once a week (whan the engine is cold : (DO NOT CHECK ANY THING WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT & RUNNING ???

Answer 8

top 3 list:
Regular oil change.
Check brakes
Check tires and see if one side is more worn that other.

these are the basics

Answer 9

take to shop ask for basic tune up airfilter,oilcange,all lube checked,rotate and balance tires,change spark plugs,check belts,but make shure to change oil frequently if done motor will last a long time

Answer 10

best thing for you now is to look in your owners manual and follow the recommended service schedule, using quick oil change places, or a trusted shop for bigger stuff...investigate your local vo-tech and see if they have a basic auto for beginners class.