4 TIPS FOR CAR MAINTENANCE ON THE CHEAP

Part of becoming a fully functioning adult is understanding when to spend money and when to save it. You don’t want err on the side of doing things yourself or buying the cheapest products only to find that it all falls apart when you lack expertise. On the other hand you are understandably suspicious of companies who charge exorbitant fees for seemingly simple tasks or products. You know how the world works and how businesses make money - they need to charge more than the service or product is actually worth in order to turn a profit. But is it worth it?

When it comes to your car there are a few procedures which are better left to the experts, of course. You don’t want to tinker with things that could end up being dangerous or destructive to your car.

However, there are many small maintenance procedures which you can accomplish on your own for a fraction of the cost charged by most auto shops.

Here are 4 basic tips for car maintenance on the cheap - practices you can easily adopt yourself to save money and keep your car running in tip-top shape!

1. Oil Change & Oil Filters - Changing your own oil is actually pretty easy. Ask a knowledgeable friend for help, or even find an easy-to-follow video on YouTube if you’re unsure, but essentially all it comes down to is checking your oil level with the dipstick (it should cover at least the middle hole indicator) and adding oil accordingly. Do this every 3,000-5,000 miles, and be sure to replace the oil filter at the same time. Using an oil additive like CleanBoost EMT can also ensure that your oil is running clean and decreasing friction in your engine.

2. Windshield Wipers - Topping off your windshield fluid is easy and cheap. Keep a gallon of wiper fluid in your garage and top it off each month. You can replace the blades very easily by yourself at the beginning of each rainy or snowy season for under $20. This is an easy way to make sure you are safely prepared for extreme weather.

3. Battery Cleaning & Maintenance - keeping your car’s battery in good shape is an inexpensive way to keep your car running efficiently and prevent dead starts. Using Coca-Cola or a store-bought battery cleansing agent, uncover the terminals and clean off any deposits or crusts that have formed.

4. Fuel Filter & Additives - One of the silent dangers for cars is fuel inefficiency and buildup. If your fuel isn’t being completely burned, or your filter is old and inefficient, then you are allowing grimy fuel deposits to poison your engine. Regularly change your fuel filter to make sure dirt and grime are trapped, and utilize a fuel additive to ensure that all of your fuel is being burnt every time. This will decrease heat and friction in your engine, increase fuel efficiency, and prevent grimy deposits and future engine problems.

Don’t be intimidated by DIY maintenance projects for your car! They are easy, cheap, and will prevent problems and costly repairs in the future.