Owning a car can get expensive, especially if you have an older vehicle that needs constant upkeep. If you want to take good care of your vehicle without taking pricey trips to the repair shop, the best thing you can do to save money is to do the easy repairs yourself.
You don’t have to waste money paying someone else to do a simple task. Here are some ways to keep your car in tip-top shape without seeing a mechanic. That way, your hard-earned cash can go towards what really matters.
Run Diagnostics With a Code Reader
The check engine light can be a terrifying sight to car owners. It acts as a warning signal for a variety of different problems, forcing you to go to the auto shop to get a professional opinion. If you want to diagnose the problem yourself, you’ll have to buy a code reader. Bosch makes an affordable, user-friendly code reader perfect for car owners who are new to repairs. Think about all the time and money you’ll save if you have one of these devices in your kit!
Link to Bosch Code Reader: Bosch Diagnostic Vehicle Scanner on Amazon
Keep An Eye On Important Fluids
Checking fluids is an easy task you can do to spare your car from all kinds of issues later. If you want to save the most money, topping off fluids when they are low prevents costly mechanical problems later on. You can usually tell that your fluids are low if your car starts to run rougher than normal. Regularly check your engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid to maximize your vehicle efficiency.
Fix Foggy Headlights Instead of Replacing Them
A lot of older cars start to get foggy headlights. This happens because the material of the lenses fades with too much exposure to air and sunlight. The UV rays from the sun crack the lenses, allowing oxidation to occur. Once discoloration sets in, it may seem light headlight replacement is the only option left.
However, DIY cleaning kits can help break down the dirt and grime without buying a new set of headlights altogether. If you don’t want to buy a whole kit, you can even use everyday products like toothpaste for a quick fix to this pesky problem. Night visibility becomes especially difficult without clear headlights, so keeping them clean is important.
Fix A Puncture in Your Tire
Have you accidentally run over a nail or screw and got charged hundreds of dollars for a tire replacement? You can get puncture kits at a store for under $10. Get some pliers and pull out the sharp object, following the instructions on the repair kit to patch up the hole that it made. You can then go to a gas station with an air station to fill your tire back up to its ideal air pressure.
If the puncture is not too big, you can save your tire with a few bucks and a little bit of DIY effort. You’ll be happy you took the initiative instead of wasting money on a replacement.
For more auto help, consider our article on how Technology Makes New Cars User-Friendly.
