Category: Automotive

Handling routine maintenance on your own, rather than outsourcing professional auto service, can save a driver up to $150 or more each year. This may seem like a nominal figure, but it certainly adds up year after year. And who wouldn’t want an extra couple hundred dollars in their wallet for the holidays?

Performing your own vehicular maintenance on the areas of your car that are DIY-approved can save drivers time and money. It is vital to only perform car maintenance that does not require the tools and training of a professional mechanic. Stick to the DIY-approved vehicular maintenance checklist and keep your car safe and running smoothly. Continue reading to learn the five types of routine car maintenance you can do all on your own!

Oil Changes

Yes, you can change your own oil and oil filter without the help of a professional mechanic! All you needs are the right supplies and a little foreknowledge, and you are ready to change your car’s oil all by yourself! Acquire a new oil filter, an oil pan to store the dirty oil, a car jack, a socket set, a funnel, and a couple bottles of the motor oil your car uses. Safety goggles, rubber gloves, a flashlight, and a few clean cloths wouldn’t hurt either. The oil should be changed every 5,000 miles, or sooner depending on how often you drive.

First, run your car engine for a few minutes to warm the oil up because warm oil flows easier. Then, lift your vehicle off the ground with the car jack and place the oil pan beneath your vehicle.

Next, unscrew your oil cap located under the hood, and the oil drain plug beneath your car. This plug generally looks like a single bolt underneath your car’s oil compartment. Double check your vehicle owners’ manual for instructions on locating the oil drain plug.

Put on your rubber gloves and use a socket wrench to unscrew the drain plug a few rounds, then use your hands to unscrew the rest of the way. Allow all the dirty oil to drain out completely. Replace the drain plug and then change the oil filter. Once this is all done, you can use your funnel to pour your new, clean oil into your engine.

The next step is replacing the oil filter. Simply unscrew the old filter, allow any excess oil to drain, and then replace and tighten the filter. If you are not using paper filters, use a tiny bit of oil to lubricate the edges of the new filter before screwing it back into place.

Air Filters

Aside from oil filters, your vehicle has air filters that need replaced on a routine basis. These are inexpensive and can be purchased at any local automotive store or general store. Expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $20 per filter. If you neglect to change your air filters, overtime you will notice a major decrease in gas mileage and vehicular performance. Luckily, this is a maintenance job you can do all by yourself! It is a simple ten minute process that is easy to learn how to do. Just follow your owners’ manual instructions!

Coolant

Without coolant, your car’s engine would be in pretty bad shape. In fact, it would fail to operate entirely after a short amount of time without coolant. Also called radiator fluid, coolant is imperative for the operation and performance of any vehicle. It prevents the inner workings of a car engine from overheating as a result of constant friction and heat production. If you have an overheating engine, the number one cause is lack of radiator fluid. Simply purchase a bottle or two at your local automotive store, locate the coolant cap beneath your hood, and pour the solution right in!

Headlights

Did you know you can change a burnt-out headlight all on your own? It’s true and not many car owners know it! Since this can get you a traffic ticket or worse, cause an accident, a burnt-out headlight is an immediate repair. And since you don’t need to make an appointment with an auto shop, you can get this problem repaired right away. All you need is a basic tool set and a new bulb!

Windshield Wiper Fluid

It may seem trivial, but windshield wiper fluid is one of the 7 essential car fluids every vehicle requires for functional operation and safety. And you can re-fill your windshield wiper fluid any time it runs low. Simply purchase a bottle of windshield fluid and pour it down the correct tube under your car’s hood. Do this as often as you need to, keeping in mind that you will probably need to do this more often in winter.

The windshield plays a major role on any automobile; without it, it would definitely be impossible to drive comfortably. This is however a part of your car that is also exposed to lots of factors and it is prone to getting cracked or chipped. You can of course decide to go for complete replacement of the windshield depending on the extent of the damage, but it would be better to consider repairing it as soon as you see cracks and chips instead of waiting for the problem to worsen calling for a replacement. There are so many reasons why immediate repairs are better and they include the following.

1. Repairs attract lower costs

Whether you have auto glass coverage in your auto insurance or not, repairing your windshield is a much better option in terms of cost compared to replacement. It is also a quicker option to get you back on the road in no time at all. Auto repair companies offer mobile services so you they can come where you are to do the repairs within a short period and you are on your way.

2. Immediate repairs save you bigger issues

Ignoring that crack or chip on the windshield can easily lead to total collapse. The cracks keep spreading and eventually the glass will give way, leaving you with no choice but to go for a replacement. It can also pose dangers when you let the cracks stay on for too long since it can collapse and cause physical harm to you and other passengers. The other issue that could arise with such a glass is water seepage into the vehicle, thus causing damages to the interiors. Repairing the glass prevents spreading of the cracks and retains glass strength saving you from the possible effects.

3. They retain windshield strength

The structural integrity is compromised when your windshield is chipped or cracked. Whereas it could have taken a dense object to crack it, remember that even the smallest of objects could worsen the crack as long as it is present. The repairs will greatly improve and retain integrity of the glass. It may actually serve you for a very long time before requiring a replacement.

4. Repairs are important to keep the vehicle sealed

The windshield in its proper state keeps weather elements out and also ensures that temperature controls are effective and efficient. When you have cracks on this glass, then your heater and air conditioner end up being inefficient. Repair works will not only save you from such insufficiency but will also save you from cold air and frosting especially during winter.

5. Repairs are friendlier to the environment

Considering that replacing your windshield means the old one is discarded, you could end up harming the environment. Remember that this glass is made of layers of plastic and glass which can be bad for the environment especially if not recycled. Repairing it prevents it winding up in the landfill making a significant positive impact as far as the environment goes.