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Taking your car to a mechanic can be expensive. On a tight budget, you may feel like putting it off, but not performing maintenance on your car can quickly ruin its condition. Thankfully, there are a number things you can do yourself without taking your car to a mechanic.
Changing the Oil
An oil change is something that many people pay someone else to do for them. While this may save you some effort, it can also be expensive. Performing an oil change is one of the easiest routine maintenance tasks any layperson can perform. All you need is new oil, a container for the old oil, a funnel, an oil filter and a ratchet. Just make sure to wait to change it until a couple hours after driving or the oil will be hot. Here’s how to do it:
Replacing Air Filters
A second maintenance task that is very easy to do yourself is replacing your car’s air filters. Replacing an old air filter can increase your car’s gas mileage and power. To replace it, you don’t even have to drive to a store. Purchase some air filters from a website like Overstock that have discounted air filters. If you want to save more money, you can find promo codes and discounts such as free shipping from coupon sites like Discountrue. Here’s how to do it:
Replacing Windshield Wipers
Using worn out windshield wipers can be dangerous. It can seriously affect your visibility on the road during a rain or snow storm, but swapping out your windshield wipers for new ones is simple. If the strips on your windshield wipers seem worn and frayed, simply buy some new wipers. All you will need to swap them out is a screwdriver. Here’s how to do it:
Replacing Headlights
When your headlights stop working, it can be pretty distressing, especially if it’s dark outside. Like a lamp, all you usually need to do is swap out the burned out bulb for a new one. Replacing the headlight cover and putting it back in place usually isn’t too complicated either. Here’s how:
Replacing the Spark Plugs
Something that can affect the health of an automobile is its spark plugs. Replacing your car’s spark plugs when they become worn out can both increase your car’s gas consumption and allow it to run much smoother than before. Always check your owner’s manual to find out how you can replace them on your own – but here’s a quick tutorial:
You shouldn’t be afraid to work on your car. Most car owners are competent enough to perform basic maintenance – it will increase your understanding of your vehicle and save you money at the same time.
This article was contributed by guest author Brooke Chaplan.