More DIY Car Maintenance to Save You Time and Money
Getting your set of wheels in top shape does not need to be difficult or expensive. Here are some easy-to-follow steps and instructions for basic maintenance!
Previously, we've shared with you some quick DIY car checks you can do before going on a long car trip:
Any car owner would agree that maintenance costs take up quite a chunk of their monthly expenditure. These expenses are necessary, of course, since it can get worse if we skip regular services and end up with a malfunctioning car in the middle of the road.
While we cannot avoid paying for car maintenance, there are a few easy procedures that we can do ourselves to reduce the costs. Read on for some handy tips on DIY car maintenance to save your hard earned money.
Replacing a Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire may sound like the Hulk’s job, but it isn’t, even a woman on high heels can get it done easily (although we don’t recommend you wearing high heels when doing so).
You’ll need:
- A jack
- A wrench
- A spare tire
Here’s how you can change your flat tire in less than 6 minutes:
Changing Car Headlights or Taillights
There is no exact lifespan for these automotive bulbs, so the moment you notice the lights become too dim to be safe on the road, head straight to a hardware store to get the replacements and fix them in yourself. Trust us, this simple service may cost you a great sum of money if you get it done at the mechanic.
You can check your vehicle manual to decide on the models of your lightbulbs, the most common ones are Halogen, LED and HID.
Here’s a step-by-step instruction on changing a headlight bulb (it is the same for your taillights too):
Cleaning Air Filter
By cleaning the air filter in your car regularly (approximately every 8000 kms), you will notice an improvement on gas mileage and the engine performance in overall. It is very simple to clean it yourself.
You’ll need:
- A mini vacuum
Here’s a quick guide to clean your car air filter (note that you can use the vacuum in replacement of the mechanic’s air compressor)
Replacing Windshield Wipers
Rain in the city is unexpected, and driving under the rain is no pleasant at all, even your car suffers from the heavy downpour. The most affected part is probably the windshield wipers as they are forced to run pass their efficiency at times. They often start making the chalk scraping sound on a blackboard after a while, and that’s when you know it’s time for a change.
You’ll need:
- A new pair of windshield wipers (remember to take note of your old ones to make sure they are compliable)
Here’s a tutorial for you to follow:
On top of the common servicing that you can handle, it is important to prepare sufficient understanding on your car condition before sending it for full maintenance.
Learn a thing or two about your car today to save more in the long run. If you are a parent, it’s also a good opportunity to teach your kids about simple automotive care too!
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