DIY Car Maintenance Tips To Save You Money
Vehicle maintenance can cost you a handsome amount over the lifespan. However, getting your hands a bit dirty to perform some maintenance tasks can save a substantial amount. It is not as tough as it sounds as there are numerous ways you can utilize that can be beneficial to your car.
Our thorough guidance provides a clear checklist of tasks you can perform yourself for car maintenance. These are straightforward and can help you save some bucks while making sure your car functions to its fullest.
Change Your Own Oil
Changing your car oil can sound like a daunting task but it is not always the case. It is surprisingly simple if you have the right tools plus it doesn’t have to be a never-ending list to get you started. All you need is a container for oil, a spanner, and an oil filter removal tool.
You can invest in the tools if you don’t have any right now as it will save you from getting the job done by mechanics. You can buy high-quality yet affordable spanners from Amazon.
You have to make sure you get the right oil for your car. Your car manual will help you know what is best for it. If you still are in doubt, you can consult the staff at your local car parts store.
The process of oil change varies from car to car but the basic process applies to all. First, jack up your car to secure it with a jack stand. Locate the drain plug underneath the car to remove it to allow the old oil to drain.
Now install the new oil also making sure you are installing the right amount for better functionality.
Replace Your Own Windscreen Wipers
This is a relatively clean task that doesn’t involve your hands getting dirty as you won’t be opening the bonnet. Just as changing oil, replacing wiper blades on your own can help you save a handsome amount.
Also, the flat blade design of wiper blades in modern cars can be easily replaced compared to older car blades. All you need to do is set the car in wiper service mode and raise the wiper arm to remove the blade. To install new blades, reverse the process and you will be done in minutes.
Rotate Your Tyres
Most companies recommend rotating your car tires every 5000 km. That way tires don’t wear out prematurely saving you from inconvenience at uncertain times. You don’t have to go to a mechanic to get the job done as you can do it yourself with great ease.
You will need some basic tools including a car jack stand plus a wrench along with a car jack. You can buy these tools set from Amazon and these will come in handy for future use as well.
To get started with rotating the tires, you have to identify the vehicle rotation pattern. You can refer to your car manual to help you identify this as it can vary for each vehicle.
Once you have identified the pattern, lift the car with a car jack and secure it with a jack stand. Regardless of the vehicle layout, the main purpose here is to swap the rear tires with the front. It balances the load and evens the stability.
Remove the tires, mount them in the intended position, and repeat the process for both sides. While taking the tires off, you can also check them for wear and tear. If you spot excessive wear, it means your vehicle is out of alignment. You’ll need to consult a mechanic for alignment as it can’t be done on your own. But spotting them earlier can help resolve the issue rather than buying new tires.
Battery Maintainance
Battery maintenance is the most crucial part. If the task is carried out regularly it is fairly easy. Modern batteries are sealed so you don’t have to worry about topping it with distilled water. However, you can pay extra attention to wires plus connections also removing corrosion on a regular basis.
Battery issues can quickly leave your vehicle nonfunctional and cost you a handsome amount. Taking care of minor issues and regularly checking it becomes necessary.
Practicing precaution is always advised while working with batteries as battery acid can lead to injuries. Always wear gloves along with protective eyewear for safety.
For a thorough cleaning of the battery, open the bonnet and remove the terminal cables. To clean the battery spots, you will need a cleaning solution. You can buy cleaning solutions from Amazon as they have got a great variety.
Apply the cleaning solution on the spots that need to be cleaned to scrub gently. Remove any traces of corrosion you find and once done, rinse it with clean water. Now dry the posts and re-attach the terminals at their right position.
Changing Air Filter
If you are aiming to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption plus save more, changing air filters is a DIY task you should perform. With the help of a screwdriver as the main tool you can get the task done in less than ten minutes.
Locate the air filter box near the engine which is secured with screws. Unscrew them using the screwdriver and remove the old filter. Also, notice the filter orientation for the correct replacement of the new one. Lift out the previous one and install the new one also paying attention to the correct orientation.
Conclusion
Doing car maintenance yourself can save you a huge sum and it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With a few tools and some time invested, you can ensure your car functions smoothly. With the tips provided in this article, you can cut your maintenance cost up to a substantial amount.