I’m an Expert Mechanic: Three Simple Engine Checks You Can Do at Home to Avoid Future Expensive Repairs

A WOMAN mechanic has shown how you can check three vital aspects of your car’s engine at home without having to ask for professional help, even if you’re not a car person.

Following this technician’s recommended engine checks helps drivers stay safe on the road and avoid future, more expensive repairs that they would need without the maintenance.

Lina Donelley’s (@linadonelly) TikTok clip begins with a text overlay: “These are the 3 most important things you should always check in your car (for non-car friends).”

Lina is a motorhead who is currently building a custom Toyota Chaser 2JZ JZX100 and often shares his progress through his social media platforms.

He used his Chaser to highlight the three key engine functions that almost anyone can check just by opening the hood: oil, air filters and coolant.

OIL LEVEL

First, Lina lifts the hood of her car and advises viewers to check their oil levels.

Driving with adequate oil levels is vital, as the fluid gradually becomes contaminated and turns to sludge as it accumulates miles.

This sludge will wreak havoc on your engine as it will not be able to lubricate the moving parts of your engine.

Lina instructs viewers to remove the rods from a tube under the hood of her vehicle before cleaning the instrument.

Wands usually have a bright yellow handle to make them more easily identifiable, like the one on Lina’s clip.

This female mechanic highlighted two dots on the end of the dipstick before stressing that your oil level should be between these marks.

She suggested refilling the oil if it is low. You can find what type of oil your car needs in your owner’s manual.

AIR FILTER

Lina went on to check her car’s air filter and noted that you want this component to be free of debris.

Engine air filters that are dirty or clogged can cause the engine to work harder than it needs to, decreasing mileage.

He added that you should examine the pipes leading to that air filter to verify that there are no holes or air leaks.

Air filters are usually located at the front of the engine compartment under a plastic box.

COOLANT TANK

Finally, Lina recommended that you check that your engine coolant reservoir levels are between their minimum and maximum lines so that your car doesn’t overheat.

You can find your car’s coolant reservoir next to the radiator or by looking in your owner’s manual.