A Mechanics Guide To Maintaining Your Car

In this video I provide tips and insight into maintaining your car. This will not only make your car last longer, but it will be more efficient and use less fuel as well. As you can see in this video I’m a big proponent of vehicle maintenance, in my mind it’s much better to find the problems early rather than waiting for something to break.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[@apollocreed3549]

Glad to see Eric posting vids again. KZbin just feels right whenever he does 😊

[@ADUSN]

Eric you taught me damn near everything I know about Hondas and cars. Thanks for the years of quality content

[@DasKemp]

As a mechanic I can confirm, bring me baked goods and I will indeed sing like a canary

[@JessicaBerndt1073]

I'm constantly checking my owner's manual. By nature I'm a very curious person and I love to learn. This also comes in handy when dealing with a mechanic; they assume because I am a woman, that I'm ignorant about vehicles lol. Also, ROTATE your tires as recommended! Thank you, Eric The Guy, for helping to educate me and countless other people about our vehicles! 🙂

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

I also check the door drains to make sure they aren’t clogged. Also (for pickups) I check the bed drains for the same thing.

[@Mr.Comment.]

1. Tires 2. Under the hood (check for dirt, Battery, Engine oil - first thing in the morning, Air Filter, drive belt, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid level.) 3. Wiper blades, every springs and fall 4. Check all the lights 5. Look underneath for leaks, just slide a cardboard over night. 6. Drive it and pay attention (radios, weird smell and sound) 7. Ask local mechanic if they seen any issues with your model. 8. Owner’s manual - READ IT!

[@mattdonna9677]

Finding a trustworthy mechanic is difficult, the good ones are usually overworked and reluctant to accept new customers. My 1980 F-150 shortbed with an inline 6 cylinder is a breeze to maintain and service so I will keep it until I am dead. I also buy the service manual for any vehicle I buy.

[@eeyyaakk6801]

Service manual? The one that comes with the vehicle?

[@cutl00senc]

Factory service manual….used by service technicians

[@chiefthunderhorse4430]

​@@eeyyaakk6801Two completely different things, an owners manual does infact give you information for maintenance and functionality of your vehicle,but a service manual gives you complete teardown and repair information, from removing/ replacing and testing parts such as you alternator and fuel pump for example, wiring diagrams, torque specs on nuts and bolts, just a lot more indepth information

[@eeyyaakk6801]

@@chiefthunderhorse4430 thank you much

[@eeyyaakk6801]

thanks much@@cutl00senc

[@jackbelarus6458]

It's funny every guy, me included, who knows about cars, who's been educated, is huge on tires, fluids, belts and batteries, its so simple but it's the biggest points of failure. Love these videos because they keep me refreshed when I've left the field. A big part of wiper blades, you can get away with only changing them once a year - just wipe them down with some alcohol and paper towel, it'll take off all the road grime that prevents the rubber from wicking away the water.

[@jasonjaeger7216]

More ! Give Us More! We miss you, Eric! Get back here!

[@emailjimsylvester]

I disagree a bit on the sentiment that the manufacturer is the best source for maintenance info. Some of the oil change intervals that are suggested by the manufacturer are too long. They try to compete on "cost of ownership" data, and will tell you to go 10,k miles between oil changes. Yes, the engine will last beyond the warranty period, and they don't really care beyond that. If you want to keep an engine running well beyond 100k miles you need to keep good, fresh oil in it.

[@scotty305]

I agree with this, changing the oil more often is a cheap and easy way to avoid expensive repairs in the future. I have a 2000 Toyota truck with 230k miles, a local shop I trust suggests oil changes every 3000 miles.

[@Pk3_Garage]

Hi Eric, nice to see you making more videos. Like you said maintenance and preventive maintenance are key to a perfectly running vehicle. I maintain both of our vehicles. Having a garage makes it even easier to do a lot of things you listed. (My first car I had to do repairs on the street in front of my parents' house. I check tire pressure every few days. Just a 10-degree difference in air temperature will add/subtract PSI from your tire. When I do a tire rotation, I inspect the tire, tire tread depth, wear pattern, all suspension components, measure the brake pads and rotors. When I do an oil change, I check the power steering, brake and coolant level. Along with looking for any leaks, cracked hoses, etc. I have found and fixed small issues this way, preventing bigger issues down the road. The one thing I didn't hear you mention, is how you will view your vehicle differently, when you do these things and fix your own car. I have learned a lot from you and others, on how to repair and maintain our vehicles. I've got over 30 yrs. experience, maintaining five different vehicles. (Along with a lot of tools) When I look at our vehicles now, I see a bunch of little parts/components, working together, to make that vehicle run. Understanding the different functions of a vehicle, helps me to find and fix the issue.

[@robertmunroe3976]

Excellent! Yeah, every damn time I’ve actually spent time reading my owners manual, I’ve learned something new about my vehicle; great advice!

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric for all tips watching from South Africa

[@TH-bj1pb]

Brakes, tyres, rust, suspension, and shocks. 😎

[@tawkeer7]

Nice to see you back! You've been phenomenal over the years with your videos; I hope your videos stay on the internet for another 100 years :)

[@Ulford]

Thank you for coming back to the channel Eric.

[@jacobpanas105]

Eric you are the best been a long time subscriber. Great to see you posting videos again. You do such a great job and thanks for all the work you do

[@aleskyfinis1025]

Yes 👍

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for that comment!

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

A dedicated subscriber for mucho tiempo

[@XenomorphLV426]

​@@ericthecarguyI've been subscribed since like 2010

[@nataliadeavilapires2136]

I missed Eric so much, he reminds me of my step dad and is very relaxing to watch.

[@FixingWithFriends]

I laughed for a bit too long at the way you said your first line. hahahahaha

[@DzevatS]

Great tips. With regard to oil level, it says in the owners manual to get it to operating temperature, shut the engine off, wait 5 mins, and then check the level.

[@atticstattic]

it says in _your_ owner's manual.

[@ericthecarguy]

If that's what is says, I would follow that.

[@jgn593]

@@atticstattic it's in all the owners manuals. I've never came across an other way to check you oil level. Except BMW and Porsche. Where the engine needs to be running. And then the engine needs also to be at operation temperature.

[@atticstattic]

@@jgn593 you've checked "all the owner's manuals" that's astounding!

[@jgn593]

@@atticstattic As an old mechanic, I have seen most of the recommendations from the brands who have been sold in Europe. Have I read them all, not really. But I know what brands recommend.

[@luissoto7889]

Welcome back Eric. Hello 👋 from Puerto Rico.

[@samhicks97]

Love these "back to the basics" kind of videos, very useful information, even if you're a weekend warrior DIY'er, or a Certified ASE technician/Mechanic. Glad to see the daily/weekly uploads are coming back Eric! 👍

[@MrKaystew]

Love this new format. Great to see you back!

[@hickorystx]

Nicely done Mr. Eric!!! Very comprehensive. Nice to see you again!! Sray well!!!

[@Vic00-rc6bd]

Txs Eric, your wisdom saves us all $$$.. Ive been workn on cars for 20 years but always learning..

[@ericthecarguy]

never stop learning. For me, it's the best part. Thanks for the comment.

[@Vic00-rc6bd]

welcome

[@waqarqadeer5217]

Thanks for sharing Eric

[@AcuraAddicted]

Excellent video both for those who are just starting to drive and for those who have been for a while!

[@Overlander2022]

Thank you for sharing!

[@alexthompson1156]

Thanks for this video some of these i didn't always check for!

[@johnmarino4085]

Thanks for sharing Eric !

[@silvermine2033]

Excellent advice. Thank you!

[@ComblessMan]

Ehh, .. well as a bum regarding the checking of my tires and other things, since you made the point I have a Saturday morning thing to do. But, ... as a patron saint of turtles, morning newspapers and tire gauges may I humbly suggest one get analog dial type gauge. The pencil gauges may be fine but I have found them to be just a bit iffy. The digital gauges are slick but they never have battery power when you need them. I bow upon an exit. Great to see more of Eric.

[@Thankyou_3]

Awesome video ❤ Thank you sir. Have a blessed day!!

[@MrAlexthemachine]

I remember watching your videos a decade ago. I’m so glad to see you’re doing good. Thank you for all of the useful knowledge.

[@whoc4r3s117]

Good refresher video. Thank you.

[@SamiullahWeesa]

I like your videos because you explain things in simple words and you don't play the terrible music many others play.

[@jonathankleinow2073]

All good tips. The color "match" between that front bumper and fender is giving me hives, though. I'd be taking that back to the body shop and ask them to try again. I know bumpers and sheet metal will naturally have some differences, and Toyotas are infamous for not matching very well from the factory, but that's pretty blatant.

[@Save657]

Outstanding video! 🏆

[@stephengreene3921]

Very good and informative video thank you

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Good info. Thanks!

[@YouDontDoWhatIDo]

Thank You!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks Eric

[@pv2smurf]

Back to basics with Eric The Car Guy. Good stuff, well detailed, and it's ETCG!

[@dmytrosamburskyi1022]

I'm glad you started posting your videos again.

[@hamishmacbeth6135]

cant wait to see more stuff from you Eric I hope you can find another shop soon

[@sharpshooter012345]

Smart guy for asking his mechanic, so he knows what maintenance his vehicle doesn't need 😉

[@riceburner4747]

Great video Eric! 👍

[@billscott2472]

Hi Eric , Great video . Good advice . Thank you

[@MurCurieux]

Thank-you, sir!

[@Dakiraun]

Excellent list! And yeah, agree on tires. I often tell people "Make a fist; now, look how big that is. That times 4 is all that connects you and your 2 ton vehicle to the road." - I find that really puts into perspective how important good tires are. Really like your idea of sticking the piece of cardboard under the car for a night too.

[@2005Pilot]

Thanks! !

[@andrewprettyquick2070]

Like this style. Good job.

[@ItsAlive111]

The man is back!

[@thewholls7176]

Good to see you back on the airwaves Eric good job mate. All the best from Melbourne Australia

[@PedroRodriguez-hy5ty]

Glad to see your video again

[@mr.t2585]

Great content Eric.

[@robertmunroe3976]

Every new driver’s license holder should watch this video! Great content!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

I cam with my firen to the vehicle inspection depot today and I did ask the inspector for common faults with that specific vehicle. Coincidence you take it up here. Id say if you live in a state that has inspections, ask that technician if your vehicle is common they will know.

[@j3rocketeer]

Great to see Eric again

[@axl151]

I pull the spare tire out and inflate at the 1st cool day of fall each year, then again in early spring. Road tires are checked and adjusted EVERY Saturday at my house.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

To senor Eric y familia. Paz, salud y prospedidad $$$$

[@Gold63Beast]

I will be sending this video to every person in my family when they ask me about preventative maintenance. Being the family mechanic, this will save me ALOT of time lol.

[@charlesbarnhart6984]

In addition to inspecting wipers I clean them with a moist wipe. Unbelievable how much dirt is on a still good blade.

[@jimkish9557]

Singing like a canary, haha! That is some honesty there, I have taken cold gatorades in for the guys when getting tires changed. I love it when my wife or daughters surprise me that way in driveway or garage. Pizza boxes are great oil drip catchers. Oil in all the locks ,,before winter comes. No short trips in winter either. We live less than a mile from high school but I make all my kids take the "longloop" so the car is up to operating temp by time they shut it off. Haven't replaced a catalytic converter in a long time and we have the test. Everything we have is over 100k or 20yrs. Some 200k.

[@dadtype2339]

As a mechanic I don't need to watch this, but as an Eric Fan who has missed that voice like an old friend, 👍 thumbs up too and support the channel. I will add check what the tire says more than the door. That sticker was placed by the manufacturer and what tires the car had when it rolled off the assembly line, and in a perfect world those two should match, but they sometimes won't, I hear they are working on the perfect world, but it's not there yet. Example tire reads 51 psi and the door sticker reads 38...yeah it can be that far apart. Been running into this, got new tires saw a huge drop in gas mileage checked the tires all from the shop inflated to 38....uh tire read 51....driving around on partially filled tires yeah, always fill up to what the tire reads as the max air in the tire. The vehicle doesn't care as long as it meets or exceeds that air pressure. Why shops are doing this now boggles my mind, do what the tire reads that is what is on the car, that sticker doesn't know lol. Common sense. Anyway glad to have you back Eric missed ya Buddy. 👍

[@jamespn]

Eric was the first car related video I watched on You Tube, talk about a you tube Pandora’s box that I opened. Glad to see him back.

[@ranger178]

holy cow a spare tire that is mounted with the valve stem where you can actually check the pressure without removing the tire, I thought they were like unicorns only in dreams.

[@630Cars]

More videos like this please.

[@tilokirchner5476]

good to see you Eric 🙂 greetings from Germany

[@zachc1297]

On Thursday night, park on some cardboard. Friday morning move the car and look for wet spots. That gives you the weekend to fix a leak.

[@ruinunes8251]

Hi Eric. Nice to see you posting videos again. Please take care of yourself, your health is more important than the videos. All the best.

[@devilzwanganmidnight5951]

I’m very happy to see Eric the car guy around KZbin.

[@MsTragedy]

Your video with 1a auto was so cool and funny!

[@pppoopoo4514]

Great to see an ETCG video again. I'm a mechanic because of you, Scanner Danner and ChrisFix. Hope you're well. Thank you for all your help.

[@offthehook19]

Welcome back sir!

[@williamstewart3469]

Always a good day when Ezza shares a new video 😀

[@boilerhand1]

For added flavor, you can write a schedule according to the om and keep it separate from the manual to avoid getting it dirty or grimy. The next owner may appreciate that. Thanks for the video Mr. Eric tcg.

[@FaceItGrace]

New sub here! I stumbled upon you after I randomly looked online to see if a certain automotive KZbinr knows what he's talking about or if he's just full of you know what (you may or may not know the name). I know how to program a car to get me from point A to point B and what fluids to occasionally check and that's about it. I recently bought a CPO Subaru and am looking forward to seeing what other knowledge you have to offer. That said, I'm glad I found you!

[@bloodstone30]

I'm so glad he's back

[@airflowautoparts3047]

Missed seeing your vids ETCG!

[@dave_n8pu]

The worst thing about this video, is the fact that people don't do what you and others like you say to check. Thanks EricTheCarGuy for reminding us once again.

[@FrancoCarrara237]

I love to check other people's Cars as well as mine before a long trip. They generally ask me: WTF are You doing? I answer: taking precautions

[@aleskyfinis1025]

Yes 👏 😊

[@AwakeDude911]

i havent watched this channel in like 2 yrs hes eating good off them you tube checks! wish i had KZbin checks !!! im jelly

[@videochatapro9412]

Do you think people can learn how to fix their cars when they Video Chat A Pro, we have certified mechanics that teach people. Love the show you make here, thanks!

[@TheDerrty111]

ERIC IS THE GOAT!

[@EarlSinclair97]

Not sure if Drivers Ed is still taught in public schools, but this video should be part of the curriculum.

[@fretworkband3204]

In Texas it’s only taught in some small town schools. Otherwise it’s parent taught or by driving schools. But regardless, during the 32 hour classroom part of the course, 2 hours is devoted to buying and owning a car which includes maintenance.

[@Chazz_US_Marine]

Tires, yes, very very important. For me, I'm a check the fluid religiously type of person. I check all my fluids 2x a month. I change my oil every 5k. I too have a Toyota Camry.

[@noseboop4354]

About measuring tire pressure, it's important to measure them when they're 'cold', ie before you actually drive the car. Because if you measure them right after driving, the tire pressure will be higher due to the heat from rolling friction. If you don't have a way of adding air at home, then measure the tire pressure at home, calculate how many PSI you need to add, go to the nearest gas station with an air hose, measure the new hotter air pressure (because you drove there) and add PSI equal to what you calculated earlier. For the this same reason, if you do a long drive from a hot climate to a cold climate, you will need recheck the tire pressure and probably need to add some PSI.

[@sjors7750]

Good message Eric. It is, it is your only direct contact with the road. Glad that you're back, good luck! Stay dirty

[@Ivanovitch2885]

A Saturday morning walk-around on your vehicle can really help address those issues. You're probably off work, only have some minor errands to run, and the check can be done while you're drinking coffee in your bathrobe. It's usually easier than taking out the trash and the worst you will have to do is wash your hands maybe.

[@yt-user03561]

I've probably fired the parts cannon too many times and spent way more than I should on parts (whenever I am able to do a repair myself) but I rather be on the safe side and have peace of mind. I also have to make due with what I got because I can't go buy or finance another car especially at these prices currently.

[@robsmith1123]

thanks for all the tips!!!! PS.....I hate that my 2011 Camry is very difficult to change the transmission fluid. I'm not sure if they made it more home mechanic friendly on newer models....but it certainly doesn't seem to be an easy process.

[@ryulee458]

That's why I'm top of my game when my car trying to catch up with all the maintenance that way I will not be stranded in the Road.😉👌

[@FixingWithFriends]

I want to get one of those hardness testers for tires, I have a feeling some of my older ones had lost more than a little friction.

[@JanielRamirez-rv3kh]

U should make video like involving that headligh assembly issue with service soon light on a gm impala

[@agostinodibella9939]

Good morning Eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

Good morning.

[@Diecastjoe]

Discount tire feels your tires up for free and while they are doing it you can ask them if they see anything concerning or tires that may need to be changed soon. I go at least once a month. They have cones set up to form a line. You stop there and it takes less than a minute!

[@ranger178]

don't they get arrested for feeling up tires?

[@Diecastjoe]

@@ranger178 Lol. Stupid word correction!

[@Loosenut449]

as a former tech, I visually inspect the vehicle during normal oil changes. I have caught so many issues early on doing this. is it the correct way? no idea, but it's saved me money in the long run

[@alward9901]

My eccentric way when changing oil . NOT when it’s hot . In the morning when all the oil is in the sump or most of it and use an extractor . If you do it hot at least 1/2 a quart is still up in the motor . Or you can let it drip all night & use an oil extractor of course a service garage can’t do this. I’m talking as a retired person with all the time at hand . I know not for every one.