According to AAA, the average cost to own and operate a new vehicle in 2018 was $8,849 per year. This figure is based on the cost of fuel, insurance, registration, loan interest, depreciation, and maintenance. It’s important to stay on top of simple maintenance issues. Ignoring these issues can cause damage to your vehicle and add to the overall annual cost. Luckily there are several tasks that you can do on your own. Keep reading to learn about three maintenance issues that you can take care of yourself.
1. Change Your Oil
Oil is an essential part of your vehicle. Most people know the recommendation that you should change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, but some vehicles and oil let you wait until 5,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to see when you should change the oil. In addition, if you drive in dusty conditions, frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, or tow a trailer, you should change the oil more often. Just know that you shouldn’t change the oil when the engine is hot. You’ll also probably need a jack to lift up the vehicle.
Position yourself under the vehicle and locate its oil pan. Remove the drain plug by unscrewing it and let the oil drain out of the pan. Don’t forget to put the drain plug back in. Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Be careful, though, because there will be some oil in the filter. Fill the new oil filter partway with the new oil. Screw in the new filter, and hand-tighten it. Use a funnel to add the new oil. Use a dipstick to check the new oil levels. Recycle the old oil, and discard the filter.
2. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
It’s easy for you to tell when your windshield wipers need replacing. All you need to do is push the washer button, and turn on your wipers. If your wipers clean the windshield, they’re fine. However, if they leave streaks, you should think about replacing them. Measure the windshield wiper blade to find the exact replacement length before you head to the auto parts store. You should also be able to look up the sizes you need at the auto parts store. Remove your old wiper blades and follow the directions to install the new ones; they should click into place.
3. Swap Out Your Engine’s Air Filter
Your vehicle needs a new engine air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. It only takes about 10 minutes to replace the air filter. Look under the hood and locate the black rectangular box that has metal clips on the side. Open the casing and take note as to which way the filter faces. Remove the old filter, and insert the new one exactly the way the old one sat. Don’t forget to close the metal clips once you’re finished.
Keep your vehicle running its best by following routine maintenance and inspections. By properly maintaining your vehicle, you will optimize your vehicle’s performance, reduce overall costs, and extend its life. If you have additional questions about maintenance for your vehicle, reach out to the professionals at Hutch Ford Lincoln.
Image via Flickr by USAG-Humphreys
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