Cars are one of the most innovative inventions of the last century. Their creation has allowed people around the world easy access to travel. Without cars, our industries wouldn’t be as vibrant as they are, either.
However, for all their good things, there is one unfortunate thing about cars.
When they break, it can cost a lot of money to fix them. The good news is that there are some repair and maintenance tips that you can do yourself. Regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repair costs.
Here are five car repair tips you can perform at home.
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Replace Your Wiper Blades
How do you know when it’s time to replace your windshield wipers? Press the washer button to see if they wipe your windshield clean. If they leave streaks, it’s time to replace them.
Head to an auto store and pick up a pair of name-brand blades like ANCO, Trico, or Bosch. Name-brand blades are a better investment than economy blades thanks to their higher-quality rubber, better UV protection, and longer lifespan.
The installation instructions on the package are simple to follow, which means anyone can do it.
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Check or Replace Lights
Every couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to check all the lights in your car. Burned-out lights can result in a fine if a cop catches them before you do.
The lights that are most important in your car maintenance are your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. If your car has a burned-out bulb, take it to an auto parts store to make sure you get the right kind of bulb.
When you change the bulb, don’t touch the new bulb with your bare hands. The oils from your hand can react with the bulb and cause it to burn out prematurely.
Read more about SAB Safety Certificates.
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Replace the Air Filter
Your car needs a new air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. If you take it to a mechanic, you’ll need to give your car up for the day. If you decide to do it, you can change it in about ten minutes.
All you need to do is pop open the hood of your car. Check the owner’s manual to verify where the filter is. Remove the old filter, check to see which way it faces, and then insert the new filter.
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Check Engine Fluids
Your car requires many different fluids to maintain functionality. Once a month, check your car’s fluids to make sure they are topped off.
Some vehicles have tanks where the liquids are visible. In other cases, there are gauges and dipsticks to check the fluid level. Topping off fluids or changing them altogether can help maintain your car’s performance.
If your transmission fluid is still dark after being changed, it may be time to learn more to address a larger problem.
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Shake Your PCV Valve
This last tip is one of the simplest car maintenance tips. After every other oil change, take out your PCV valve and unscrew it.
Once you’ve done this, shake it. If it makes a metallic sound, it’s in good working order. If it doesn’t make noise or sounds mushy, it’s time to replace it.
Car Repair Tips and More
No one likes spending money on car problems, but with regular car maintenance, you can prevent dents to your wallet.
Simple things like replacing the windshield wipers, checking the lights, replacing the air filter, checking engine fluids, and shaking the PCV valve help keep car repair costs low.
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