YouTube mechanic Scotty Kilmer shares tips car owners should know to save money on car maintenance & repairs.
Taking care of your car on your own is a great way to save money, but there are many things you can do wrong. Popular YouTuber Scotty Kilmer has seen many such mistakes. When he describes the top mistakes car owners make, it’s time to listen!
What does Kilmer–aka #savagescotty–say are the “Top 4 Mistakes Car Owners Make”?
- Leaving the rubber gasket on the oil filter
- Not disconnecting the battery when doing electrical work
- Changing spark plugs on a hot engine
- Using the wrong engine oil
YouTube mechanic Kilmer has been around the block, and in this video, he goes in-depth into these problems and how they hurt your engine. We’ll help break down the video in a more readable format.
This is some great info. After all, if you make basic mistakes in misjudging your car maintenance needs, you could be looking at thousands of dollars of damage.
Top 4 Mistakes Car Owner’s Make
1. Leaving the Old Rubber Gasket on the Oil Filter in the Engine
Kilmer suggests doing your own oil change. He also warns about leaving the gasket on the oil filter when you do. Most oil filters are hidden and hard to reach. When you pull it out, the gasket around the top of the filter can get left behind, and you might not see it.
Leaving this in the engine can cause serious problems. When you put on the new filter, you’ll have rubber against rubber, which prevents it from sealing. Without a seal, all your oil could leak out. So, simply double-check. Also, when putting the new filter in, rub some clean oil around the new gasket. This will give you a nice, tight seal.
2. Not Disconnecting the Battery when Doing Electrical Work
You know that computer that makes your car tick? It’s actually a pretty delicate piece of equipment. One surge can blow it to pieces, leaving you with a $1,500 repair. How can you prevent this? Just disconnect a battery terminal every time you do an electrical job. It’s really simple and effective protection.
3. Changing Spark Plugs on a Hot Engine
Spark plugs are easy to damage. The aluminum threads can get stripped, and pulling them out when the engine is hot makes this a bigger risk. The solution is simple, though. Just take care of spark plugs first thing in the morning before the engine runs.
Kilmer also throws in a trick: Putting anti-seize lubricant on the spark plug threads before installing them can add protection.
4. Not Using the Right Oil
Engine oil is pretty important to your car. It lubricates everything and prevents wear and tear. But this is a case where bigger isn’t better. Here’s what we mean. Using a heavier oil doesn’t give you more protection. The heavier the oil, the less viscosity it has. This means it doesn’t flow as easily. That’s why cars have recommended oil weights. Always use the one your car’s manufacturer suggests. This is particularly important for overhead cam engines, according to Scotty. The wrong oil makes the cam wear out faster. Don’t do it. Stick to the recommended oil.
Check Your Vehicle’s Maintenance History
These mistakes can be costly, but they aren’t the only ones vehicle owners can make. Make sure yours is well-maintained. Check the Vehicle History to get all of the data about the car, and get expert advice about how to properly maintain it now and in the future.
