Taking your car in to a mechanic is always a hassle. When that warning light comes on, your first thought is the amount of time and money it’ll inevitably cost you. If you’re not car savvy—or even remotely handy with a wrench—it’s easy to admit defeat instantly and just call your mechanic. Don’t pick up the phone just yet, though. Many common maintenance tasks are simple, easy, and ridiculously cheap for you to do at home. From preventative maintenance to common repairs, try your hand at these easy car maintenance tasks even beginners can do.
Change Your Oil
An oil change is one of the most common maintenance jobs your car will need. As you drive, the oil in your engine wears down and becomes less effective, so changing the fluid regularly is an important part of keeping your engine running smoothly. While a professional oil change usually isn’t expensive, the cost adds up when you have to take your car in a couple of times a year. Save money and hassle by changing the oil yourself.
Start by getting under your car and draining the old oil into the oil pan. Replace the drain plug, then go to your engine and remove the old oil filter. Install the new oil filter and fill your engine with oil. When you’re done, remember to take the old oil to a collection center to get rid of it responsibly.
Check Your Air Filter
Your car’s air filter keeps dirt and debris from entering the engine. Changing it is as quick and easy as changing any other filter in your home, making this one of the easiest car maintenance tasks even beginners can do. Pop the hood and find your engine’s airbox. Open the box and remove the filter. Make a note of which way the filter sits in the box so that you can easily put the new one in. Replace the filter and seal the airbox again.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Winter weather is just around the corner, so there’s no better time to replace your windshield wipers. While installing wiper blades is a little different from vehicle to vehicle, the basic process is simple: lift your wipers, remove the old blades, and attach the new ones. The hardest part of changing your windshield wipers is finding the right blades for your vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn about the specific parts your car requires. For example, if you own a BMW, you may want to upgrade or replace your BMW emblems as well, which can be found at specialized online stores or local dealerships. You can also look for car parts online to easily find the exact product you’re looking for.