For the majority of drivers, auto repair might as well be brain surgery. Fortunately, there are a few car maintenance DIYs that require basic knowledge and free time. We’ve put together a quick list of tips that will save you a couple hundred dollars a year and will help to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
FILTERS
Switching old air filters for new ones is one of the most important, and simple, maintenance jobs one can do at home. Clean filters dish clean air, promote fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lengthen engine life. Every 12,000 miles spend ten dollars and take ten minutes replacing your air filter box.
BATTERIES
There may be nothing more frustrating than a faulty car battery, partly due to the fact that it’s such an easy problem to avoid. Grab a screwdriver, an abrasive brush, wire brushes seem to work best, and a rag. Pop your hood, remove the black/negative terminal, then the red terminal with your screwdriver. Proceed to clean the battery posts with your brush, then wipe any remaining residue off with your rag. Finish up this simple DIY by replacing the terminals.
WIPERS
Replacing ragged wipers may be our simplest DIY tip when it comes to car maintenance. With Hawaii’s tropical weather comes a humid and salty atmosphere (we aren’t complaining!) which makes for an especially abrasive windshield. Luckily, wiper replacement is a breeze – unsnap old set, taking note to how they attach, and replace with a new set. Like we said, it’s as simple as it gets and makes all the difference.
INSIDES
Sometimes, what’s inside your vehicle is as important as what’s under the hood. This DIY requires nothing more than a toothbrush. Yep, grab an old brush that once scrubbed your pearly-whites to now clean out air vents and vinyl surfaces. Toothbrushes are really great at getting to those hard-to-reach places where dust likes to gather.
Pull out those dirty floor mats to get rid of any large pieces of who-knows-what, then give um a quick cold-water machine wash and air dry.
We hope these car care tips come in handy and help to save you money and time, while keeping your vehicle at its peak. Give us a call if you encounter an auto body repair that requires more than a toothbrush, screwdriver or old rag – we promise to help make things a little easier for you.