3 Things That Will Make Your Car Last 400,000 Miles

Summary

In this video, Scotty Kilmer shares five practical ways to fix your car for free, debunking common myths and saving viewers from unnecessary repairs. He explains how to address issues like low brake fluid, service warning lights, and battery maintenance without spending a fortune. Other tips include checking your alternator and keeping your tire pressure in check to improve handling and ride quality. Scotty also highlights how to reset warning lights yourself and take advantage of car recalls. His expert advice helps car owners save money while extending their vehicle’s lifespan.

Takeaways

• 😀 If your brake light comes on, it might just be low brake fluid, not necessarily a major issue. Check the fluid level before heading to the mechanic.
• 😀 Many warning lights, like the 'Service Car Soon' light, are set to trigger automatically after certain mileage intervals, even if no real issues exist. Learn how to reset these lights yourself.
• 😀 A weak battery is a common cause of a car not starting. To extend battery life, use a battery tender if the car isn’t used often or remove the battery when not in use for extended periods.
• 😀 Regularly clean battery terminals and check for corrosion. Corrosion or loose connections can drain the battery faster and cause it to fail prematurely.
• 😀 A weak alternator can wear out your battery faster. It’s a good idea to check both the alternator and battery together to avoid unexpected problems.
• 😀 If your car’s heater isn’t working, it could simply be due to low coolant. Fill the radiator and make sure there’s no air in the system to restore heat functionality.
• 😀 Tire pressure is crucial for proper car handling and comfort. Always check tire pressure with an accurate gauge in the morning, when the tires are cold, to ensure consistency and correct readings.
• 😀 Too much or too little tire pressure can affect your car's ride quality, handling, and overall safety. Use the correct pressure as recommended for optimal performance.
• 😀 If your car is having strange electrical or performance issues, check whether the alternator or battery might be at fault. These components are critical for modern vehicles’ computer systems to function correctly.
• 😀 Car recalls are a free fix for issues that affect your vehicle. If your car is under recall, you can get it repaired for free, even if you’re not the original owner.

Q & A

What is the most common reason for a brake light to come on in a car?

The most common reason for a brake light to come on is that the brake master cylinder is low on fluid. This can happen due to normal wear and tear as the brake pads wear down, causing the fluid level to drop.

How can you reset the 'Service Car Soon' warning light on modern cars?

To reset the 'Service Car Soon' warning light on most modern cars, especially Toyotas, you can press the odometer reset button with the key turned on. This will go through a process and turn off the light.

Why do modern cars have warning lights like 'Service Car Soon'?

Modern cars have warning lights like 'Service Car Soon' to prompt car owners to check certain maintenance items, such as oil changes or air filters, every 15,000 miles. However, these lights can be reset if regular maintenance is performed, and they don't necessarily mean something is wrong.

What are the key factors that affect the lifespan of a car battery?

The lifespan of a car battery is influenced by factors like the condition of the alternator, the cleanliness and tightness of the battery terminals, and whether the car is frequently used. A weak alternator or corroded terminals can cause the battery to wear out faster.

What is a battery tender, and why is it useful for car owners who don't drive often?

A battery tender is a device that provides a trickle charge to a car battery when the car is not in use for an extended period. It helps maintain the battery’s charge and prevent it from going bad due to inactivity.

What is the correct way to clean battery terminals and prevent corrosion?

To clean battery terminals, use a terminal cleaning brush to remove corrosion, followed by an electrical cleaner spray to clean off any residue. After cleaning, spray a battery terminal protector to prevent future corrosion.

How can a weak alternator affect a car's battery?

A weak alternator can cause the battery to work harder to keep the car running, which may shorten its lifespan. Additionally, if the alternator overcharges the battery, it can destroy the battery by supplying excessive voltage.

Why is it important to check your car's alternator periodically?

It’s important to check the alternator periodically because a failing alternator can cause electrical issues and negatively impact the battery. Testing the alternator can prevent problems like weak battery performance and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

What should you check if your car doesn't start, and how can you identify the issue?

If your car doesn't start, the first thing to check is the battery. Ensure the battery is charged, the terminals are clean and tight, and that there are no issues like the headlights being left on, which could drain the battery.

What is a free way to fix a car heater if it's not working properly?

If your car heater isn’t working, it could be due to low coolant. To fix this, you can top off the radiator, jack up the car or park it on an incline, and allow air to escape from the system while you refill the coolant.

How can incorrect tire pressure affect the handling and ride quality of a car?

Incorrect tire pressure can significantly affect a car’s handling and ride quality. Overinflated tires lead to a rougher ride, while underinflated tires can cause poor handling and increase the likelihood of flats. Ensuring the correct pressure improves both comfort and safety.

How can you avoid inaccuracies when checking your car’s tire pressure?

To avoid inaccuracies when checking your car’s tire pressure, it’s best to use your own tire pressure gauge and check the tires when the car is cold, before driving. This ensures more consistent and accurate readings.