Do It Yourself Car Maintenance

Car maintenance can be one of the biggest pains of owning a car. While there are many fixes that you should see a mechanic for, there are some easier fixes that you can do yourself.

Air Filter

Almost every time you get the oil changed in your car a mechanic will recommend replacing the air filter. This can be quite pricey, but is relatively easy to do yourself for only the price of the air filter. Find the air filter in your car. Often it is in a black case. Remove the filter and make sure to pay attention to how the air filter fits into the space, it will be easier to figure out how to put it back that way. Then put the new filter in and secure with the nuts back in place.

Headlights

In order to change the headlights you need to pop the hood and look for the bulb holder. Next, remove the wire harnessing and pull the bulb out of the holder. Stick the new headlight in, while holding it by the plug end. If there is no rubber gasket showing, then you can be sure that it is all the way in. Plug the wiring back in and then make sure it works. This should only take ten minutes or so.

Windshield wipers

In order to change the windshield wipers, pull the wiper away from the window and slide it off the wiper arm. After the new wiper is lined up with the wiper arm, slide the two together. Pull it tightly to make sure it clicks into place. Next, lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield and repeat the process with the other wiper.

Oil filter

Changing the oil and oil filter is a little more complicated but can be completed at home. The car needs to be on level ground so that you can jack it up. After locating the oil pan, unscrew the drain plug to let the old oil drain and then replace the drain plug. You should let the oil drain into a recyclable container. This can be taken to a local full service gas station. You need an oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Make sure the rubber gasket comes off with it as well. The rubber gasket on the new filter needs to be lubricated and then filled about 2/3 full of oil. Screw the new filter in as tightly as you can. Next, pop the hood and fill the engine with new oil using a filter.  Make sure to put the oil cap back on.

These are a few of the routine car maintenance tasks that can be done at home. Of course, there are plenty of auto service shops around if you have questions or find that the fix is harder than you think. To learn more, contact Modern Auto Air.

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