If you’re serious about saving money, chances are that you’ve taken on some level of a “do it yourself” attitude and are doing a little more for yourself than you used to.
That can be expanded on just a bit if you’re interested in saving a little more on the cost of your auto maintenance and want to keep your car in good shape for a little longer.
We’re not talking about installing your own brakes or other things unless you’re comfortable and qualified, but even the least handy among us, male or female, has the capacity to assure that the car is in good shape, has all that it needs, and will last a little longer.
It does not require vast mechanical skills to check your fluids regularly, or to change the oil in your car. These things add up to a fairly hefty price if you have them done professionally, depending on the area where you live.
At the very least, you can check the fluids in the car add them as needed and assure that your car stays healthier for longer. This includes transmission fluid, water, and oil. (NEVER check your cars radiator if the car has overheated. Let it cool completely first. Make sure the car is cool and turned off when you check to make sure that you have antifreeze, coolant or water in the radiator.)
To check your oil, make sure that the car is turned off and that you have a paper towel to use to wipe the dipstick clear of oil. In most cars your oil stick will be very clearly marked. For the sake of argument, if your car isn’t marked, you’re going to find a small round handle-like thing sticking up from the middle back of your engine when you open the hood, but that depends on your model.
The oil dipstick isn’t screwed in or tied down in any way. Simply lift it out. wipe it clear, insert it and then remove again and check the level of oil. Your car of course needs lubricant to live. If it’s down below the accepted levels, add a quart or part of a quart to keep it driving along smoothly. Making sure that your car is well maintained and that the fluids stay at a good level will save you a lot in the long run.
Tags: Car Maintenance, DIY Car Maintenance, Drive More Cheaply, Keep your Automobile Longer, Keeping your Car Longer, Maintaining your Auto