There are two reasons on why many opt to handle their own car maintenance needs: to save on cash and to earn the satisfaction of finishing the task yourself.
Given the rising fees of service stations, a good number of drivers are taking on the role of mechanic in an effort to save. While there are certain auto maintenance tasks that are best left to the hands of experts, you can do quite a few tasks yourself. That is…if you are willing to learn.
To start you off, here are 3 of the easiest yet most essential car repair tips that you can take charge of.
1. Replacing Air Filters
Your air filter should be replaced at least once a year or after every 12,000 miles to ensure your car’s smooth and uncompromised acceleration. Recent studies also suggest that regularly replacing your air filters can boost your speed time by up to 11%.
Steps:
1.Pop the hood open and prop it up.
2.Look for the filter housing that typically appears as a black plastic tube or canister.
3.Unscrew the wing nuts, if any and with a flat head screwdriver, carefully unclip the filter housing.
4.Slowly remove the old filter and make sure to study how it is placed in the housing before doing so.
5.Slide in and secure the new filter by thrusting it down the gasket.
6.Place the casing, flick the attached clips and tighten the wing nuts before closing the hood of your car.
2. Changing Car Batteries
If you are persistently troubled by loud snapping noises each time you turn your car’s ignition or by headlights that slowly dim in the middle of a dark highway then you are past time to change your battery.
Just like all other types of batteries, your car batteries will eventually run out and before you find yourself stuck in the middle of a deserted road, it is best to power up your car with a new battery.
Steps:
a.Turn off your car’s engine before propping your hood open.
b.As it is a central part of your engine, your car battery will be very easy to find.
c.Once located, loosen out the nut connecting the black or negative (-) cable to disconnect it.
d.Using a screwdriver, pry open the end of the black cable.
e.Follow the same steps for the red or positive (+) cable.
f.Take out any other clamps holding the battery in its place.
g.Carefully grab the battery and pull it out from its socket.
h.Before placing in the new battery make sure to first clean any sulfate deposits that may have been left behind by the old one using a wire brush.
i.Insert the new battery, restore the clamps and re-connect the black and red cables.
3. Replacing Wiper Blades
Before the rainy season sets in, it is best to replace your wiper blades to make sure that they will be strong enough to fend off any torrential downpour. Inspection stations charge as much as $20 dollars to replace wipers that you can find for $5 at any automotive store. Don’t thrown that money away!
Steps:
1.Prop your wipers up much like you would when cleaning them.
2.Using your other hand, push down the wiper tab that will allow you to slide the old blades off its arms (make sure to make a mental note of how it was originally positioned).
3.Slowly insert the new blade onto the wiper until you hear a snapping sound to signal that it is securely in place.
These 3 simple maintenance items can save you $100 a year on your auto expenses, and this is just cracking the surface of what you can do yourself. Keep your hard earned money and learn a few handy tricks to keep your truck in smooth running condition.