Everyone knows that car maintenance can be quite expensive and often people opt to avoid car care for as long as they can in order to save themselves some money. This is possibly the worst thing people can do, as avoiding car maintenance can lead your vehicle to develop more problems. Or in other cases, people rush to the store to buy top-notch products which turn out to be more expensive than the car maintenance itself; Nevertheless, there are tons of options for you to care for your car without having to spend tons of money in products or with a mechanic.
At-home car care is an incredible solution and option for your car to maintain itself in top conditions and cause you fewer problems in the future. Check out the following tips for at-home car care, that can save you money.
1. Air Filter
Cars need their air filters changed every year or every 12,000 miles, but this can easily be done in the comfort of your own home. You don’t need any tools for this task to be completed and it can be done in under ten minutes. Unlike taking it for service checkup or the mechanic, the air filter replacements can cost $10 dollars, or a little more depending on the model that you are driving. All you have to do is find the filter under the hood of your car, it usually looks like a dark rectangular box, and open the case.
Remind yourself how the previous filter is facing and then remove it and replace it for the new one in the exact position the old one was. Close the metal tips from the rectangular box after you have replaced the filter and that’s it! Quick and easy to do. If you have any further questions, search for videos on how to do it, it will allow you to have a more graphic explanation of this simple task
2. Windshield Wipers
You definitely need no tools for this activity and it could simply be done under 15 minutes in your own garage. The cost of wiper blades can go from $10 to $30 dollars for decent ones, and they last about a year of use. All cars have different wiper blade instructions, however the process is quite easy. Lift the blades towards you and see how the blades connect to the metal tubes, in some models there is a button that needs to be pushed, while others you need to twist the blade to remove it from the metal arms. Check out how your blades work, or even check your manual if this makes it more convenient, and remove the old blades. Afterwards you are going to want to replace them with the new blades, just make sure that you don’t bend them or scratch anything around you. If you are not very comfortable with this process, also watch tutorials or videos on how to do it. The more informed you are about this process the simpler it will seem for you to do.
3. Battery Maintenance
Although some simple tools are needed for this activity like a wire brush, wrenches, and rags, this process will take you less than 25 minutes and won’t cost you more than $10 dlls. The key for keeping your car functioning smoothly and without a hassle, is having a good battery. Make sure you pop the hood, and remove the battery terminals. Always remember to remove the negative cable first, before doing anything else and afterwards, clean the posts. Apply the fluid to the posts and usr the wire brush to clean this zone to perfection. Afterwards, use only some water to clean the cleaning fluid and dry the excess humidity with rags. Last part is replacing the battery terminals. Avoid leaving your car for an entire day in the mechanic and learn how to do these tasks yourself, not only will it save you time, but money as well.
Doing things for yourself will help you in saving money. Make sure you watch videos and inform yourself clearly on how to perform these car care tricks.