Car service can be quite expensive depending on how old your car is, or what model you have. No matter what vehicle you own, there is some maintenance that you can do yourself and save a lot of money on service. None of these maintenance requires you to be an engineer or an auto repair expert. You do not have to even be mechanically inclined. If you just have a few basic tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and a few other spares, you can easily perform the following DIY Maintenance on your vehicle.
Air Filter Replacement
Changing the air filter takes about 10 minutes and requires no tools. You generally need to replace the air filter for the air intake of your car every year or every 12,000 miles. You can simply do that yourself by locating the filter of the car under the hood and replacing it. When you open the filter, just make a note of how it is attached. Next, put in your new filter and attach it with the metal clips. This saves both time and car service fees.
Changing Windshield Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are quite easy to replace but can vary from car to car. Simply lift up the metal handle from the windshield and note how the wiper blades are attached to the arm. In most cases, you will find a tab under the wiper that you can push to remove the old blades. You can attach the new blades and it wills snap-lock in place. Make sure you properly line up everything.
Replacing Spark Plugs
Changing spark plugs may sound intense, but they are quite easy to do. Moreover, they can save you a lot of car service costs. Depending on the number of cylinders on your car engine, you will need four or six replacement plugs. Replace the plugs on my one. First, remove the wire from one of the plugs. Using a simple socket wrench, you can remove the first spark plug. Next, install the new plug, making sure that you don’t over tighten. Re-attach the wires and repeat for the remaining plugs.
Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter
This can get a little messy but can be quite easy if you are careful. Ensure your car engine is cooled down and your vehicle is jacked up. Next, locate the oil pan and drain it. After that, go back to the engine, replace the oil filter and fill the engine with new oil. Use a dip stick to check the oil levels as you fill. Cars need oil change quite frequently and doing it yourself can save you a lot.
Battery Maintenance
This is the easiest DIY car service job. All you need to do is clean the battery posts by removing the terminals. You can also get professional cleaning solutions in the local auto parts stores.
Radiator Flush
The radiator and the cooling system need to be maintained from time to time. Often deposits build up in the radiator that hampers the performance. All you need to do is first drain the radiator, fill it with a cleaning solution and let it run for about ten minutes. Next, once the radiator has cooled down, you can drain the cleaning solution and fill it with new coolant.
Wrap Up
In some cases, DIY car service is quite easy and is something that most car owners should do. However, it is also important to know what not to do yourself. Things like an oil change or filter replacement can be done at home. For other cases, you better consult a professional. Always remember that your safety on the road depends on the performance of your car.