Want to save money by handling car care yourself? Check out this DIY vehicle maintenance guide by Esyntheticmotoroil in Fairfield Township, OH!

Maintaining your car doesn’t always require a trip to the mechanic. In fact, doing a few easy tasks yourself can keep your rig in great shape and save you money! While expert help is needed for the bigger issues, a little DIY know-how can go a long way.

Ready to discover which fixes are easy to tackle at home? Keep reading this DIY vehicle maintenance guide — no fancy tools or experience needed!

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Check Oil Levels Regularly

Why It's Important: Oil is essential for your engine. It reduces mechanical friction, preventing wear and tear. Regular oil checks help ensure your engine runs smoothly and lasts longer.

How to Do It: To check your oil levels, park your car on a flat surface and let the engine cool down. Open the hood and locate the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and insert it back into the tube. Remove it again to check the oil level.

The level should be between the "MIN" (minimum) and "MAX" (maximum) marks. If the oil level is low, add oil carefully, ensuring you do not overfill.

Monitor Tire Pressure

Why It's Important: Performance and safety go hand in hand with proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can overheat and lead to blowouts, while over-inflated tires decrease traction. Keeping the pressure right also helps your tires wear evenly and boosts your fuel economy.

How to Do It: Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire. Simply press the gauge onto the valve stem and read the pressure on the gauge. Compare the reading with your car’s recommended tire pressure (found in the owner's manual or on the sticker inside the door frame). Inflate or deflate as needed.

Inspect Tire Tread Depth

Why It's Important: Adequate tread depth ensures better grip on the road, which is crucial for safety—especially in Ohio’s snowy winters.

How to Do It: Use a penny to measure tread depth. Insert the penny into the tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too shallow and it’s time for new tires. Alternatively, use a tread depth gauge for a more precise measurement.

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Replace Windshield Wipers Regularly

Why It's Important: It is crucial to have clear visibility on the road, especially when it is raining or snowing. Worn-out wiper blades can leave streaks or fail to clear the windshield, limiting your ability to see clearly.

How to Do It: Replacing wiper blades is simple. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield, press the tab or lever to release the old blade, and slide it off. Attach the new blade by sliding it into place and ensure it’s securely locked in.

Inspect and Clean the Battery Terminals

Why It's Important: Corroded terminals can lead to poor battery performance and start-up issues. Keeping them clean ensures a reliable power source for your car.

How to Do It: Check for corrosion (a white, chalky substance) around the battery terminals. If present, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water and use a brush to scrub the terminals clean. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from battery acid.

Check and Replace Cabin Air Filter

Why It's Important: A clean cabin air filter keeps the air inside your car fresh and helps your heating and cooling system work better. This is particularly important during Ohio’s allergy season and winter months when you rely on your heater or air conditioner.

How to Do It: Find the cabin air filter compartment (usually behind the glove box). Remove the old filter and insert a new one, ensuring it’s the correct size and type. Most filters need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but check your car’s manual for the recommended interval.

Take your DIY vehicle maintenance routine to the next level with AMSOIL! Not sure which oil is best for your car? Call Esyntheticmotoroil in Fairfield Township, OH, at (513) 348-0758 for help. And don’t forget to visit AMSOIL’s online store for all your oil and lubricant needs!