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Performing regular maintenance on your vehicle is essential for ensuring that it functions safely and smoothly on a daily basis. It also goes a long way in extending the lifespan of your vehicle. And if you’re someone who would rather DIY your oil changes, tire rotations, and other bike maintenance tasks instead of going to a shop every few months, it’s important to have a space at home that facilitates the kind of work you’ll be doing. Here are some tips to consider as you’re starting to plan and put together your home garage, brought to you by Milsblog.
Dedicate a Space
The first step is to choose a space for your garage. This will largely depend on the space you already have available and the amount of space you need to perform your vehicle maintenance.
For instance, if you simply plan to maintain one or two bikes with simple tasks and you already have a garage, you might be able to move a few things around and use a corner of your current garage. However, if you want to work on several bikes and store several vehicles at once, you might need to consider other options, such as building a new structure (which costs an average of $28,000) or renovating an old outbuilding.
Also, if you plan to listen to loud music and/or operate loud power tools, you will want to take that into consideration since you don’t want to aggravate your neighbors and family members! Furthermore, if you’re using your current garage for housing, a hobby/craft room, or a similar type of space, consider building an accessory dwelling unit or other structure so that you can use your garage for vehicle maintenance without giving up the other activities.
Create a Maintenance Schedule for Your Car
Developing a strict maintenance schedule for your car is essential to help ensure that it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Outlined in the vehicle’s owner manual are general guidelines for oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and other inspections – however, depending on your car’s make and model, these frequencies may be different. Setting up regular check-ups with a qualified mechanic can help you develop a personalized plan of action specific to the needs of your car. You should also keep an eye on warning signs such as unusual sounds or smells coming from your vehicle, as this could indicate an issue that needs immediate attention and is not included in routine maintenance schedules.
Following this schedule will allow you to catch any issues early on before they become more serious and expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, regularly scheduled maintenance will help keep your gas mileage at its peak efficiency so you don’t have to worry about wasted fuel or money. If you’re looking to create a schedule for your car maintenance, you can enjoy some time savings by using a schedule maker. All you need to do is customize a premade template and then you’re ready to get started on your car-related projects.
Organize the Space
One thing to think about if you decide to convert your existing garage into your vehicle maintenance workspace is that it needs to be clean and organized. If you’ve been using your garage to store lots of your unused/seasonal household items and tools, chances are you don’t have the room to work on a bike. And though it can be a laborious job, organizing your garage is crucial. Along with decluttering, you will need to come up with an effective storage plan for your tools, equipment, and any other items you need. This might include using overhead storage, bike racks, pegboards, and many other types of storage solutions.
Some Necessary Changes
Security is important, so if you need to install new locks or change existing ones, it’s important to find a local locksmith that you can trust. While your current garage might have concrete flooring which is great for motorcycle maintenance, engine oil and other substances can quickly stain concrete if it isn’t treated. To avoid this issue and keep your concrete flooring looking good, look into using epoxy coating to protect it. Alternatively, consider looking at different types of flooring tiles as an option which can add both comfort and style to your garage – these are easier to clean than concrete and require less maintenance overall.
No matter what type of material you choose, make sure it’s durable enough to maintain its quality over time – not only will this help ensure your motorcycle is in perfect condition when needed, but garage maintenance will be kept to a minimum too. Additionally, some materials offer additional benefits such as using heated tiles for warmth during winter months or soundproofing materials for noise control – researching all the options available before making a decision is highly recommended. Whatever you decide on, adding the right kind of flooring will give your garage an attractive aesthetic while also providing functionality and protection – something that all motorcyclists should strive for.
Boost the Electricity
Obviously, electricity is essential to running a safe and effective garage. If you’re building a structure from scratch, be sure to put in adequate wiring to power your tools and equipment. For instance, you may want to install a breaker panel and plenty of 110-volt receptacles.
If you’re using an existing garage, you will probably need to redo the wiring since residential garages typically have inadequate electricity. Whether you’re installing wiring on a new structure or existing garage, it’s best to leave this particular job to the pros unless you have experience.
Doing your own vehicle maintenance comes with lots of perks, especially if you enjoy the work. When planning out your garage, be sure to choose the right kind of space and thoroughly organize it. Also, consider any changes you need to make to the floors and electricity. Before you know it, you’ll be set up to keep your motorcycle running well for a long time.