Top 3 DIY Car Maintenance Tips to Save Money

Regular car maintenance doesn’t have to mean expensive trips to the mechanic. By handling a few simple tasks yourself, you can save a significant amount of money while keeping your vehicle in great shape. Here are three essential DIY car maintenance tips to help you cut costs and extend your car’s lifespan.

1. Change Your Own Oil

Oil changes are one of the most frequent car maintenance tasks, but they’re also one of the easiest to do yourself.

• Gather the Right Supplies – You’ll need fresh motor oil, an oil filter, a wrench, an oil catch pan, and gloves.
  
• Follow Your Car’s Manual – Check the recommended oil type and capacity for your vehicle.
  
• Drain and Replace – Warm up your engine for a few minutes, then remove the drain plug and let the old oil flow out. Replace the oil filter, secure the drain plug, and refill with new oil.
  
• Dispose of Used Oil Properly – Take your old oil to a recycling center or an auto parts store that accepts used oil.
  

2. Replace Air and Cabin Filters

Replacing air and cabin filters can improve your car’s performance and air quality while being one of the simplest maintenance tasks.

• Air Filter – Typically located in a plastic housing under the hood, the air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your engine. Replacing it every 12,000-15,000 miles helps maintain fuel efficiency and engine health.
  
• Cabin Air Filter – This filter keeps the air inside your car clean and should be replaced every 15,000-25,000 miles. It’s usually behind the glove box and can be swapped out in minutes without tools.
  

3. Check and Maintain Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, extend tire life, and enhance safety.

• Use a Tire Pressure Gauge – Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
  
• Refer to the Manufacturer’s Recommended PSI – You can find this information in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
  
• Inflate or Deflate as Needed – If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor to fill the tires. If it’s too high, release some air using the gauge or the valve stem.
  
• Check Tread Wear – Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tires.
  

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By changing your own oil, replacing filters, and maintaining proper tire pressure, you can save money and keep your vehicle running smoothly. With just a little effort and the right tools, DIY car maintenance can be a rewarding and cost-effective habit.