Car Blog

Car maintenance can be expensive. If you’re strapped for cash, there are some minor tasks that you can take care of at home for a fraction of the price of a mechanic visit. 

Air Filter

Air filter replacement should be done annually and is one of the least elaborate tasks you can do at home. It should be located under the hood of your car in the same area as, or near, your engine. If you open it up and it’s barely dusty, you can use the free (or low-cost) air compressor most gas stations have to just blow out the dust rather than replace it.

Spark Plugs

This should be done after every 30,000 miles traveled. You should remove the wires from the plugs one at a time, as they are in a specific order and rearranging them could impact your car’s ability to function. If you’re not all that handy with a socket wrench you may want to let your preferred auto service near Denver Lakewood CO handle this one. 

Oil Change

During this process you don’t just switch out the oil, but the filter as well. It is ideally done after every 5,000 miles you travel in your vehicle, or once a year. The oil can’t be drained on the ground or into a sewer. You will need to collect it in an appropriately sized tub or pan, and then drop off the refuse at a waste facility.

Tire Rotation

Every six months the tires on the back of your car should be moved to the front, and the ones at the front moved to the back. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, they may even need to switch sides. This prevents tires from wearing out prematurely.

If you don’t have your owner’s manual handy, there are several tutorials available online to help walk you through the process. Just make sure you include the make and model of your car in your search to avoid unexpected requirements and differences.