If you own a vehicle, there’s a great chance that a big chunk of the budget you allot for your car is for car repair and car maintenance. As you drive your vehicle daily and expose it to different elements, it experiences wear and tear. It’s important that you monitor its running condition to avoid problems. And when damage occurs, it’s also important that you do repair immediately. Despite the increasing cost of car repair, the fact is that you can still save on your car through do-it-yourself car repairs and maintenance.
DIY is a growing trend among many drivers and vehicle owners today. Although this requires some kind of knowledge in automotive, it does not only give big savings but as well as the satisfaction of truly owning your vehicle. There are basic and more advanced car maintenance and repairs that you can do. These include the following:
Cleaning, Car Washing, and Waxing
You don’t need a professional mechanic to do these for you, and you don’t need to be highly skilled in automotive to learn these basics. All you will need is to have the right cleaning and detailing materials to ensure that you will achieve your desired effect. With just a little time on your hand, you can reduce your trips to car wash and car detailing shops and you can save a lot of bucks.
Routine Fluid Changing and Refilling
Many of the systems in your car make use of different types of fluid in their operation. Other than fuel, there are oil and special water formulas that make your car work. Over time, these fluids are reduced due to evaporation or leaks, and you have to ensure that you refill them to avoid problems like overheating.
Oil. This fluid is needed for lubricating the metal engine parts as they rub against each other. Without it, too much friction will be produced and the parts will heat up and get damaged. Over time, the oil also gets dirty and should be replaced.
Coolant. This is a special type of water solution that circulates throughout the cooling system to absorb engine heat so that you won’t experience overheating. Regular coolant refilling is vital in keeping the engine temperature right.
Brake Fluid. This fluid is crucial to the operation of the brakes. With not enough fluid in your system, the brakes may not work well and you may experience braking problems. Refilling your braking system should be done with caution and you must only use the right type of fluid.
Removal and Installation of Parts
Whereas many of the parts in your auto are complicated and dealing with them requires professional knowledge, there are others that are simple enough for average drivers. The addition of add-ons like spoiler, car bra, or wheel caps, for instance, can be done simply. And if you’re skilled enough, you can even do more serious part replacements when the need arises.
Yes, do-it-yourself car repairs and maintenance may take time, but the savings are all worth it. Plus, nothing beats being able to know the inner workings of your own car.