For car owners, there is no worse feeling than increasing automotive repair bills. While repairs and regular maintenance are a part of vehicle ownership, we can help keep costs down by following the manufacturer’s recommendations and performing maintenance on our own.
Here are some DIY maintenance tips from automotive experts. If you do not feel comfortable doing these yourself, have a trusted mechanic do them for you. The important part is to not neglect regular maintenance which saves dollars in the long run.
1. Change the car engine oil consistently.
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Changing the oil on a regular basis lubricates vital parts of the engine. Going too long between oil changes can cause permanent damage to the engine. The recommended timeframe between oil changes varies, so refer to your vehicle manufacturer for best practice.
2. Oil protects the car engine, the oil filter protects the oil.
Even the best motor oil won’t do the job completely without using a quality, high-efficiency oil filter. There are a few Oil Filters that utilize a blend of cellulose and synthetic microscopic fibers to provide the right balance of dirt-trapping efficiency and dirt-holding capacity.
3. Don’t ignore your car’s warning lights.
It can be frustrating to see the “check engine” light come on, but it is important not to neglect these warnings. They’re not always going to indicate a serious issue, but a small issue left unchecked can result in a larger problem and result in big dollars down the road.
4. Change your car engine air filter.
Engine life and durability is directly related to keeping incoming air clean. A clogged air filter can result in decreased acceleration and horsepower. The job of the air filter is to remove contaminants from the air before damaging the engine.
5. Don’t forget your car cabin air filter.
The air in your car cabin can be up to six times more polluted than outside. Contaminants enter your vehicle through the ventilation system exposing passengers to high levels of dust, dirt, and allergens. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can restrict the air entering the vehicle HVAC system, – blocking output and possibly reducing the effectiveness of the defroster, heater and air conditioner.