5 Car Maintenance Jobs That Can Be Done at Home
People constantly complain that most new cars are so complex that basic maintenance and upkeep are almost impossible for the average consumer to perform on their own.
However, despite the marvels of modern automotive engineering, there are still numerous money saving maintenance procedures that can be easily and cheaply performed by the home mechanic, regardless of experience or technical knowledge.
Changing your own oil is one car maintenance job that can be done at home.
This includes not only changing the physical oil itself, but changing the oil filter as well.
Begin by locating the oil pan underneath your car, and loosen the oil plug, making sure to drain the oil into a pan or container for recycling (many auto repair shops offer free oil recycling to members of the community).
Once the oil is drained, locate the old filter, and using an oil filter wrench, remove the old filter and rubber gasket from the filter.
Fill the new filter partially with fresh oil and reattach it, making sure to also apply a new gasket.
Replace the drain plug on the oil pan, and insert new oil to the appropriate level.
Replacing your own windshield wipers is another car maintenance job that can be done at home.
Most windshield wipers are not replaced nearly as often as they should, given the simplicity of the task.
Wipers are attached with a simple locking tab.
Press down on the tab, and the old wiper will slide off effortlessly.
Installing the new wiper is as simple as lining up the wiper with control arm and applying a small amount of pressure.
Performing you own air filter replacement is another car maintenance job that can be done easily without certified help.
Air filters are located above the carburetor in black plastic case attached to the top of the engine.
Simply pop open the case, remove the air filter, and bang it gently a few times on the bottom of your shoe or on the palm of your hand.
If most of the dirt comes off, reinsert and continue using.
If not, purchase a new filter, and install the new filter instead.
Cleaning and checking your battery connections is another quick and easy job that can be done without taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
Cleaning the battery connections on your car is a simple process that can extend the life of your battery.
Begin by removing the connections, starting with the negative cable.
Then using a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water, clean the ports thoroughly before wiping them dry with a clean rag.
Repeat the process for the terminals.
Replacing your car fuses is a quick and easy job as well.
The typical fuse box is located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
Most fuse boxes are accompanied by a diagram which should simplify the process of locating the blown fuse.
If not, simply look for the fuse that appears slightly blackened or melted.
Remove, replace, and rejoice.
However, despite the marvels of modern automotive engineering, there are still numerous money saving maintenance procedures that can be easily and cheaply performed by the home mechanic, regardless of experience or technical knowledge.
Changing your own oil is one car maintenance job that can be done at home.
This includes not only changing the physical oil itself, but changing the oil filter as well.
Begin by locating the oil pan underneath your car, and loosen the oil plug, making sure to drain the oil into a pan or container for recycling (many auto repair shops offer free oil recycling to members of the community).
Once the oil is drained, locate the old filter, and using an oil filter wrench, remove the old filter and rubber gasket from the filter.
Fill the new filter partially with fresh oil and reattach it, making sure to also apply a new gasket.
Replace the drain plug on the oil pan, and insert new oil to the appropriate level.
Replacing your own windshield wipers is another car maintenance job that can be done at home.
Most windshield wipers are not replaced nearly as often as they should, given the simplicity of the task.
Wipers are attached with a simple locking tab.
Press down on the tab, and the old wiper will slide off effortlessly.
Installing the new wiper is as simple as lining up the wiper with control arm and applying a small amount of pressure.
Performing you own air filter replacement is another car maintenance job that can be done easily without certified help.
Air filters are located above the carburetor in black plastic case attached to the top of the engine.
Simply pop open the case, remove the air filter, and bang it gently a few times on the bottom of your shoe or on the palm of your hand.
If most of the dirt comes off, reinsert and continue using.
If not, purchase a new filter, and install the new filter instead.
Cleaning and checking your battery connections is another quick and easy job that can be done without taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
Cleaning the battery connections on your car is a simple process that can extend the life of your battery.
Begin by removing the connections, starting with the negative cable.
Then using a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water, clean the ports thoroughly before wiping them dry with a clean rag.
Repeat the process for the terminals.
Replacing your car fuses is a quick and easy job as well.
The typical fuse box is located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
Most fuse boxes are accompanied by a diagram which should simplify the process of locating the blown fuse.
If not, simply look for the fuse that appears slightly blackened or melted.
Remove, replace, and rejoice.
