Owning a car can be expensive. Between gas, insurance, and regular maintenance, there are always costs that come with being a car owner. But did you know that home car care saves you money? There are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself without having to bring your car into the shop.
Yep! It’s true. With just a few basic tools and some elbow grease, you can become your own DIY mechanic and save money while doing it. Let’s get started!
Check Your Fluids
Every car runs on a bunch of different fluids. These have to be topped off and checked on a regular basis. This includes oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Some of these require more frequent attention than others.
Check your owner’s manual for suggested replacement intervals for each type of fluid in your vehicle so you can schedule routine checks accordingly.
Change Your Air Filter
You should change your air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles; whichever comes first. The air filter is responsible for keeping debris from entering the engine which helps maintain fuel economy and performance. You can buy an air filter at most auto parts stores for relatively cheap (usually around $20) and replacing it is super simple—just make sure you check the size of the filter before buying so you get one that fits your vehicle correctly!
Rotate Your Tires
Rotating your tires every 5-6 months or 5-6 thousand miles will help ensure even wear across all four tires.
