Car maintenance can be quite expensive as it involves repairs and changing various parts once in a while. If you are that person who contacts the mechanic now and then, the maintenance can cost you large chunks of money. There are several DIY repairs and maintenance tasks that can be of great help in lowering maintenance costs:
1. Replacing air filters. After about 12,000 miles, you should change the vehicle’s filters or after one year of use. You need at least ten minutes to replace the air filters if you follow the user’s manual to the latter. The filters are located on the car’s hood, bounded by a box with some metal clips on its side. Open this casing and note how the filters are laid. Then remove the older filters and insert the new ones and ensure that they face the exact direction as the old ones. Close the metal clips on the side after you are done.
2. Changing oil and the oil filters. Most manufacturers suggest that you should modify the car’s oil after every 3,000 miles. Some vehicles will hit up to 5,000 miles before the need for changing the oil is felt. You should not be afraid of getting your hands dirty during this task. You first need to get under your vehicle and locate its oil pan. Drain all the oil in an oil pan and replace the old oil plug. The next task is on the engine where you need to unscrew the old filters. Once you are done, fit the new filter and pour oil on it. Tighten the new filter, and you can now fill the engine with clean oil.
3. Replace an old battery. With time, your car battery can become less efficient in its mandate of powering the motor. At such times, you need to visit your local dealer and purchase a new battery and be ready to replace the older one. You just need to identify the positive and negative poles which are usually labeled and unplug them using a pair of pliers. Lift the old battery using the handle, and you are good to fix the new one.
It is quite evident that many car DIY maintenance and repair tips can save you a lot of cash. Always ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s manual when performing this tasks and seek help whenever necessary. You can contact the local mechanic for the technical problems that you cannot handle. Visit http://focusmotorsport.com/ for the latest brands such as Mercedes, Porsche, and McLaren.