Basic Automotive Maintenance (Part 2)

In this episode of Saturday Mechanic, Ben Wojdyla shows you how to perform some more basic maintenance and an oil change on your vehicle. Find out how to do-it-yourself in this week's episode of Saturday Mechanic.

In this episode, Popular Mechanics' Associate Auto Editor Ben Wojdyla:

* Checks the exhaust system
* Checks the suspension
* Checks for tire wear
* Checks for leaks
* Performs a complete oil change

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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

[daviddefranco]

I'm just glad that everyone has one of those lifts at home to conduct this inspections...:)

[ottod]

I’m like 10 years late on this video but This is helpful i’m thinking on going to a trading mechanic school after senior year which i’m currently entering. I wanna learn how to install hydraulic pumps too

[SmS-pR]

I love this channel. I want to become a mechanic and haven’t began a course yet.
I recommend this channel

[justinwalker]

I like watching these video's. I want to learn all parts and how they work. When im little bit older I want to be a car mechanic at a shop. I dont know to much about all cars. Watching these gives me more of a idea of how some things work. For a living car mechanics make good money and I like to fix stuff. So these videos is helping me learn.

[penguinmanrocks]

just for future reference it is almost always smart to remove the fill cap before you drain it it will allow for it to flow out smoother, quicker and get more of it out.

[alberto]

Please do not stop making videos. Very Helpful.

[orientconvoys]

Dirty hands = clean money
well done, nice work

[MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

I wanna just say I don't know why that nut on the oil filter spindle was loose but when you lube the o ring on the new filter i usually crank it down as tight as i can get it by hand because adding oil to the o ring ensures the o ring stays seated properly and doesnt bind up, also if its not as tight as it could be it could vibrate loose

[geico]

How often oil needs to be changed depends entirely on the vehicle; (see owner's manual). However, the longer one intends to keep a vehicle running, the more frequently the oil should be changed. Moreover, changing the oil is the MOST important maintenance one can do, because it's the ONLY thing that will extend the life of a vehicle.

[robertgrubbacom]

Got two inclarities about changing oil (heard different opinions on that, wonder what is Yours):
1. Do You recommend adding flushing additives before changing the oil?
2. I've heard that it is good idea to disconect injectors after draining oil and do a little bit of turning the engine over with engine ignition system - to remove more old oil from the engine, pump etc. The same thing was recommended to me after filling engine with new oil (cranking engine with starter without starting it)

[StankPlanks]

Thanks mate great vids. Love learning about maintenance.

[JETZcorp]

First, I should say I'm not a big expert, but I have do have a couple bits of advice.

The pinging is caused by detonation, meaning your fuel ignites before the ignition tells it to, which is bad for everything. This may mean you're running slightly lean (caused by sensor issue, vacuum leak, etc). Usually your check-engine light will be on in this case. If it's on, have the OBD code read at AutoZone or similar. Carbon build-up could also be a cause, try some fuel additives to clean it out.

[tadhgdelaney]

Osiris farmer : easiest way is to have a good luck when the car is running and at heat as this is when the engine is at its most pressure .If you can't see it take out the engine and start it on the bench, as regards the dipstick you have a low - high marking so you dip it and it will show on the scale .try have it between middling if possible . Hope I helped

[SmithAdventure]

Thanks for the vids man, very helpful. Please make more!

[Slimeo]

I know I’m a bit late to ask but how do you know when to change your oil?

[HDwoat]

Hi, is there nothing you can do with corrosion on the exhaust to extend the life of it?

[sandiegocalif]

With regards to recommend that when adding oil TO the car, to put 5 1-quart bottles of oil out to use. Why? Very you are adding oil TO the oil filter, you sure as Hell do NOT want to exceed the maximum capacity of oil (5 quarts)....so it's wise to pre-measure 5 1 quart bottles...(in other words....save 5 EMPTY 1-quart bottles of oil from a previous oil change....then before adding ANY oil, pour from a 5 quart bottle into each 1 quart bottle....a pre-measure. That way you KNOW you sure as Hell didn't OVERFILL and that you WON'T have to jack that car up again and drain out the new oil for no damned reason. Also, it's WISE to give the oil filter a 1 short tug on a filter wrench, to seat that filter properly. Hand tightening a filter is NOT wise....because it can be jarred loose or off if you hit a rut or a bump. Then THAT would be everywhere but IN the crank.

[MegaEpicGamezz]

how do you check the level of oil on dipstick, i didn't understand it lol

[crazycgeek]

What is the best way to dispose of your used oil in a responsible manner ?

[erikk]

Thumbs up for using mobile1 synthetic media oil filter!