April 12, 2013 - Repairs and maintenance to your car can be costly. Especially when considering that when you take your car into the shop, you’re paying for parts, labor, and any other additional fees the mechanic may charge. Even when some maintenance and repairs may only take 15 minutes to complete, you can expect the shop to charge for a full hour of labor.
Repairs and maintenance to your car can be costly. Especially when considering that when you take your car into the shop, you’re paying for parts, labor, and any other additional fees the mechanic may charge. Even when some maintenance and repairs may only take 15 minutes to complete, you can expect the shop to charge for a full hour of labor.
Changing the Battery
If your car is experiencing a loss of power and isn’t cranking up, it’s quite possible that your battery needs replacement. You can test this out by having someone try to give you a jumpstart if possible. If your car cranks after the jumpstart then you know that it’s the battery. The battery can be easily removed using a wrench or similar tool (unless your battery isn’t in plain view or hidden), and taken to an auto parts shop to be tested (often at no charge), and recharged if necessary. See your vehicle’s owner manual for specific information on the location of your battery and how to replace it.
Replacing the Windshield Wipers
Your vehicle’s windshield wipers are a very important part of your car, and can easily be replaced when worn. Simply check your owner’s manual to find out the exact size of each wiper, and purchase a pair. Simple step-by-step instructions are found on the packaging of your new wiper blades for easy do-it-yourself installation.
Making Sure Fluids are Topped Up
Engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid are all fluids that you can check and refill yourself if necessary. Refer to your owner’s manual to verify the types of fluids your vehicle operates on, and where to locate each compartment that needs to be checked.
Checking and Maintaining Tire Pressure
Regularly check your tire pressure and also inspect for any nails or items that may have been rolled over and lodged into your tire – which may later cause a flat. Your tire pressure is an important factor for improving gas mileage as well, so keep a tire gauge handy and check your owner’s manual for specific tire pressure information for your vehicle.
