Although it’s easy to visit your local car shop and let the professionals handle things, there are some auto maintenance tasks you can do yourself. If you’ve driven your car regularly for the last six months, your vehicle may need some TLC before heading on the road again. Use the following preventative measures to perform easy maintenance on your car and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
Add Washer Fluid
Whether you want a quick windshield cleaning or need to remove bugs that are obstructing your view, washer fluid is important for keeping your windshield clear while you’re on the road. For optimal results, buy fluid that works best for your climate, and don’t use plain water. If you use plain water, it could damage the reservoir when freezing temperatures hit.
Check the Engine Oil
Checking your engine oil is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks you can do yourself. By doing this, you can determine your engine’s health and whether you need to take your car to a professional shop. Most manufacturers recommend checking your vehicle’s oil level when the engine is cool, but the manual may have more specific instructions.
Get New Wiper Blades
It’s best to get new wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Although most vehicles can use two sizes, you should measure the windshield wiper blades or use a wiper reference guide to find the appropriate size for your car. By replacing the old wipers, which can be easily cracked by stones, UV rays, or cold weather, you reduce the chances of having your vision obstructed by dust and dirt.
Switch Out the Light Bulbs
Your turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlights are essential for your safety. Whenever these lights go out, they’re easy to replace—all you need is your owner’s manual, the right screwdriver, and possibly a YouTube tutorial to help you visualize the steps.
Tip: If your car has LED lights that aren’t working, it’s best to see a professional to resolve the issue properly.
Replace the Engine Air Filter
Your vehicle most likely uses gas, but did you know your car also uses air and a filter to remove dangerous particles from the engine? Every time you press the gas pedal, the air filter gets to work. To keep your engine in good condition, it’s best to replace the air filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
Here’s how to locate and replace your air filter:
- Find the engine filter under the hood
- Undo the clips or screws along the top
- Gently pull back the cover and remove the old filter
- Replace the old filter with a new one
- Close the cover and tighten the screws or clips
Whether your car is your primary form of transportation or not, it’s important to keep your vehicle in good condition to avoid problems that lead to expensive maintenance bills. And with the right car insurance and road assistance added to your coverage, you won’t have to worry about the what-ifs or towing bills.
At Saferoad Insurance Service, we want you to save money and stay secure. We offer Los Angeles and Anaheim insurance for auto, home, rental, and more. Contact us today for a free quote or more information regarding affordable auto insurance.