Common car maintenance tasks and how to perform them | The Seattle Times

2021-12-23 06:47:58 By : Mr. Tony Liu

Car Care is a twice-monthly series offering maintenance best practices and DIY tips for car owners.

Working on a vehicle isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. In fact, there are several car maintenance tasks you can do on your own.

Here are three DIY maintenance jobs any at-home mechanic can master.

The thought of changing your vehicle’s oil may seem daunting, especially if you’re not very handy in the garage. But changing your oil is easier than you think! Plus, a DIY approach could save you between $35 to $125 if your vehicle takes synthetic oil.

Here’s how to change your oil on your own:

According to Auto Trader, a disposable air filter is suitable for 30,000 miles. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads or deal with heavy traffic daily, you may need to replace it every 15,000 miles.

The good news? Swapping out a vehicle’s air filter for a new one is a quick and easy job. All you need is 10 minutes and a new air filter, which can cost up to $25 depending on where you buy it.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to replace your air filter at home:

That’s it! You’ve successfully replaced your air filter.

Driving around with low tire pressure is dangerous. It can also lower your gas mileage and damage your tires. If you’re driving off-road, you may need to set your tires at a lower pressure. For example, when driving on the beach, it’s best to keep your tires between 15 and 20 PSI in each tire. Doing so will prevent you from getting stuck and help your vehicle drive on the sand! 

To ensure your tires are at the right pressure, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge and an air compressor, just in case.

Here’s how to check your tire pressure:

Handling vehicle maintenance on your own doesn’t have to be intimidating. With our handy, step-by-step instructions above, you can change your oil, change an air filter, or pressurize your tires in a snap.

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