You don't have to be a mechanic to take good care of your car!
A little basic maintenance can help your vehicle last longer, run better, and save you a whole lot of money. We're not just talking about saving a few dollars by doing something yourself. Keeping up with maintenance can help prevent repairs that cost thousands.
At Chuck Ryan Cars in Long Beach, Mississippi, we know car repairs aren't always in the budget. Here are some simple things you can learn to do yourself, even if you've never opened the hood of your car.
First, Find Your Owner's Manual!
Your owner's manual is one of the best tools you have, and you don't even need to find that dusty booklet in your glove compartment!
Most vehicle manufacturers have owner's manuals available online for free. Search for your vehicle's year, make, model, and "owner's manual," preferably on the manufacturer's website.
Download the PDF, then use Ctrl+F on your computer to search for whatever you need, whether it's checking oil, finding the correct tire pressure, or changing a filter. On your phone, look for the document's search feature.
It's like having an instruction book for your particular car right at your fingertips!
1. Learn How to Check Your Oil
Your engine needs oil to keep its moving parts lubricated. Without enough oil, those parts can overheat and eventually cause serious engine damage.
Here's how to check it on vehicles with a dipstick:
Park on level ground and turn off the engine. Check your owner's manual for how long to wait.
Find the oil dipstick under the hood, usually with a brightly colored handle.
Pull it out, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
Pull it out once more. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
If it's low, add the correct oil a little at a time, checking the level as you go. Some newer vehicles use electronic oil-level readings instead of a traditional dipstick, so follow your manual.
How often? About once a month, or more often if your car uses oil or you drive a lot.
And remember, checking your oil doesn't replace changing it!
2. Don't Put Off Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are one of the best ways to protect your engine. Neglecting them can lead to premature wear and, in severe cases, engine failure.
How often should you change your oil? That depends on your vehicle and how you drive. Check your owner's manual for the recommended schedule.
Here's a money-saving benefit for CRC customers!
We change the oil in every vehicle before we sell it. And when it's time for another oil change, just bring your vehicle back to Chuck Ryan Cars. We'll have it changed at our cost!
Your oil change also includes basic maintenance checks, including tire pressure and fluid levels. It's an affordable way to stay on top of several important things at once.
For more ways to avoid expensive repairs, read 6 Car Maintenance Mistakes That Can Cost You.
A simple oil change today could save you thousands in engine repairs down the road.3. Check Your Tire Pressure
Properly inflated tires last longer, improve fuel economy, and help keep you safe.
Many newer vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that warns you when tire pressure gets too low. Some even show individual tire pressures on your dashboard!
That's convenient, but don't rely on the warning light alone. A tire can be underinflated before the system alerts you.
Here's what to do:
Find the recommended tire pressure on the sticker inside your driver's door.
Check your tires when they're cold, using a tire pressure gauge or your vehicle's individual tire-pressure display if equipped.
Add air if needed, and check for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
Important: Use the pressure listed on your vehicle's sticker, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself.
How often? About once a month and before long trips.
4. Replace Your Own Windshield Wipers
This is one of the easiest DIY maintenance jobs!
Many windshield wipers can be replaced in just a few minutes without special tools.
Buy the correct blades for your vehicle, follow the package instructions to release the old ones, and snap the new ones securely into place. Some vehicles require you to put the wipers into a special service position first.
One warning: Never let the bare metal wiper arm snap against the windshield. It can crack the glass!
Replace your wipers when they streak, squeak, skip, or stop clearing the windshield properly.
A Little Trick for Rainy Days
Here's a tip we love on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Rain-X makes products that help rainwater bead up and roll off your windshield. Some are applied directly to the glass, while others are used in your windshield washer reservoir.
We've tried both, and the washer-fluid version is especially convenient. Just follow the product instructions and make sure it's compatible with your vehicle.
It's a great little trick for rainy days, although you'll still need properly working windshield wipers!
5. Get Familiar With Your Other Fluids
You don't have to know how to replace every fluid in your vehicle, but knowing what they do can help you spot trouble early.
Coolant: Keeps your engine from overheating. Check the reservoir as directed in your manual, usually with the engine cool. Never open a hot radiator or pressurized coolant cap.
Brake fluid: Helps your brakes work. A low level can indicate worn components or a leak, so have it checked rather than repeatedly topping it off.
Windshield washer fluid: Usually easy to refill yourself. Look for the reservoir marked with a windshield-and-spray symbol.
Transmission fluid: Some vehicles have a dipstick, but others require special equipment or procedures to check it.
Never guess which fluid to use! Putting the wrong fluid in your vehicle can cause expensive damage.
6. Learn to Replace Your Air Filters
Your vehicle usually has two different air filters:
Engine air filter: Keeps dirt and debris out of your engine.
Cabin air filter: Filters air entering the passenger compartment through the heating and air-conditioning system.
On many vehicles, replacing these filters is surprisingly simple. Your owner's manual can help you locate them, and you can often find model-specific instructions online.
Some require only opening a cover, swapping the old filter for a new one, and closing everything back up.
Follow your manufacturer's replacement schedule, and don't force anything if the housing is difficult to open.
7. Know When to Call a Professional
We love saving money, but some jobs are better left to experienced mechanics.
Brakes, steering, suspension, major engine repairs, and high-voltage hybrid systems can involve serious safety risks.
And if your vehicle is overheating, losing oil pressure, making severe noises, or having trouble braking, don't keep driving. Pull over somewhere safe and arrange for assistance.
Not sure what a new sound means? Our article What's That Noise? Sounds You Shouldn't Ignore can help you recognize warning signs.
And if you're facing a major repair, you may also find Should You Fix Your Car or Trade It In helpful.
The goal isn't to fix everything yourself. It's to know enough about your car to take better care of it.
Your Simple Maintenance Checklist
When | What to Check |
|---|
Monthly | Oil level, tire pressure, tire condition, washer fluid |
Before a road trip | Tires, lights, wipers, safely accessible fluids |
At scheduled intervals | Oil changes, tire rotations, filters, brake inspections |
Whenever something changes | Warning lights, unusual noises, leaks, vibrations |
Keep a record of your maintenance, too. Just write down the date, mileage, and what was done.
A Little Knowledge Can Save You a Lot of Money
You don't need an expensive toolbox or years of experience to take better care of your car.
Learn to check your oil. Keep your tires properly inflated. Replace those worn-out wipers. And don't ignore something that doesn't seem right.
These simple habits can help your vehicle last longer and keep more money in your pocket.
And if you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars, we're still here after the sale. If you're unsure how to check something or have a question about maintaining your vehicle, call us or stop by.
We're always happy to help. That's part of making things Quick and Easy!
