With the ever unstable gas and spare parts prices, vehicle owners are always looking for different ways to cut back on the expenses they incur on their vehicles. Most people will take their vehicles to a repair shop for routine maintenance. Handling some simple routine maintenance on your own can assist a great deal in reducing your expenses as far as vehicle maintenance is concerned. Here are 10 things you can handle on your own.
Air Filter Change
You can change your car air filter in less than 20 minutes
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Changing your vehicle’s air filter will take you no more than 10 minutes and you will only incur the cost of the new filter. You just need to pop the hood and you will see a metal casing with clips on either side. Remove the filter and ensure that nothing falls in the case and replace it with the new one. Close the case and replace the nuts and clips.
Oil and Oil Filter change
Jack up your vehicle on level ground and locate the oil pan. Unscrew the drain to get rid of the old oil. Locate the oil filter and remove it using an oil filter wrench. Fill the new filter with new oil to about two thirds and screw it back into place. Pop the hood, remove the oil cap and fill the engine with new oil.
Replacing Windshield wipers
Fixing your wipers should not be too hard
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Just pull away the wiper from the windscreen and press the tab on the underside of the wiper to slide the wiper arm off. Line up the new wiper and ensure it is assembled into place then lower the wiper back to the windshield.
Battery Connection
Checking your battery connection will only cost you the price of the wire brush you will be using to clean the battery terminals. For this activity you need a wire brush and you need to clean the terminals and the connections.
Headlights Replacement
Changing your headlight bulb is easy and fast
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You just need to pop the hood and search for the bulb holder. And pull the old bulb out. Wipe the new bulb using clean cloth and insert it into the holder and put it back and make sure it is working properly.
Brake Pads
This can be a complicated but following the right instruction will prove to be easy. Find the best instructions on how to replace your vehicle’s brake pads.
Fuel Filter
Changing your vehicle’s fuel filter can take about 30 minutes but it is a pretty straightforward activity. Again, you will need to follow step by step instructions to ensure you remove and replace the fuel filter properly.
Fuses
If any part that is electronically operated fails suddenly, chances are that a fuse just blew. Just locate the fuse box which is most under the dashboard and check for the blown out fuse and replace it you should always have spare fuses in your car.
Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs often misbehave. You can change them easily at home
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This activity will only take you between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the number of spark plugs you are replacing and you will only need to spend only purchasing the plugs.
Radiator Flush
Ensure you allow your engine to cool before starting. Find instructions that will let you clean your radiator sufficiently and this will help you save money you would have spent in a repair shop.
