DIY Car Care

Many vehicle owners can handle basic tasks such as washing their car, checking tire pressure and tread depth, inspecting accessible fluid reservoirs, and replacing certain wiper blades or key fob batteries. The appropriate tasks depend on your vehicle and your experience. Always consult your owner’s manual before beginning maintenance, and leave unfamiliar or safety-critical repairs to a qualified technician.

Explore our service tips and tricks for additional guidance.

Washing your car about every two weeks is a reasonable starting point, although driving conditions may require more frequent cleaning. In Nebraska, road salt, mud, insects, and winter debris can accumulate quickly. Use automotive-safe cleaning products and pay attention to the underbody when road salt is present.

Read our guide on how to wash a car.

Some light surface scratches can be improved with appropriate automotive polishing products. Deeper scratches that penetrate the paint or expose bare metal may require touch-up paint or professional refinishing to help prevent corrosion. The best approach depends on the depth and location of the damage.

See our guide to repairing deep car scratches or contact a Sid Dillon Body Shop.

Check your tires for worn tread, cracks, bulges, uneven wear, and other visible damage. Tires are generally considered worn out when their tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, but wet or snowy driving conditions can require substantially more tread for safe performance. Tire age and overall condition also matter.

Learn how to check tire tread depth.

Your tire pressure monitoring system may activate when one or more tires are underinflated. Temperature changes, slow leaks, and tire damage are common causes. Check tire pressures when the tires are cold and inflate them according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the driver-side door placard. If the light remains on, the system or a tire may need attention.

See how to reset your tire pressure light after addressing the underlying issue.

Some vehicles allow owners to inspect brake fluid through a marked reservoir and check transmission fluid with a dipstick. However, many modern transmissions use sealed systems that require specific procedures and equipment. Never open a pressurized or hot system, and avoid introducing contaminants into fluid reservoirs. A low brake fluid level or noticeable braking problem should be evaluated by a professional.

Read more about checking brake fluid and checking transmission fluid.

It depends on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. Some vehicles support owner-performed key fob pairing procedures, while others require dealership diagnostic equipment or security authorization. Replacing a key fob battery is often simpler than programming a replacement key.

Explore our guides for Chevy key fob programming, Ford key fob programming, and Hyundai key fob battery replacement.

Software update procedures vary by manufacturer and vehicle. Some models support wireless updates, while others require a USB installation or dealership assistance. Check your infotainment settings, owner’s manual, or manufacturer’s support resources before starting. Make sure your vehicle meets the update requirements and avoid interrupting an installation.

For compatible Chevrolet vehicles, see our Chevy MyLink software update guide.

Checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before longer trips is a good habit. Fluid inspection intervals vary by vehicle, so refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule and procedures. It’s also helpful to watch for leaks, unusual odors, or changes in how your vehicle drives between scheduled maintenance visits.

Find more maintenance information in our service tips and tricks.

Professional service is generally the safer choice for complex repairs involving brakes, steering, suspension, high-voltage systems, advanced electronics, or specialized diagnostic equipment. You should also seek professional assistance if you notice significant fluid leaks, serious warning messages, or problems that affect safe driving.

Sid Dillon offers professional vehicle service and collision repair resources for drivers throughout Nebraska.