VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF?

The goal of car maintenance is to routinely assess and address your vehicle’s condition to prevent more costly or damaging repairs down the road. For example, noise from your brakes, a check engine light, or any warning light should be addressed as soon as possible. Continuing to drive through a shaky ride will cause more damage to your vehicle—and your wallet.

Here are three tips for vehicle maintenance that may help: research your car’s needs, take care of your car at home when you can, and remember that safety has no price tag.

Follow Your Owner’s Manual

The first step to safeguarding against overpriced maintenance is to avoid a situation where a mechanic might pressure you into too-frequent maintenance. For example, a fuel injector cleaning and engine flush is not necessary every time you get an oil change.

Take a look at your owner’s manual, where recommended timeframes are typically provided for each major repair. Save your invoices in a folder so you can easily check when you last had certain repairs, like cabin air filter replacement or brake service. Arm yourself with this knowledge when discussing maintenance options with your mechanic.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Many routine maintenance items can be taken care of in the comfort of your own driveway. The first step is to keep an eye on your fluids: oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, brake, and washer fluid. These fluids can be easily checked either visually or with a dipstick and replacement of the fluids is simple and affordable.

Proper tire pressure is essential to your gas mileage and your safety. Your tire pressure can be easily checked with a tire pressure gauge. The side wall of your tire shows the maximum pressure your tires should be set, and air is available at most gas stations or car shops for little to no cost. Under-inflated tires, squeaking breaks, and damaged headlights should also be looked at right away.

Safety First, Last & Always

Always keep safety as a top priority. If your vehicle has experienced damage that results in a safety concern, the repair is always worth the price tag.

Do you need a mechanic you can trust for vehicle maintenance and repairs? Click here to find your local AAA Owned and Operated Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair shop.*

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. AAA does not provide financial advisory services and does not guarantee any particular outcome.

*Approved Auto Repair Facilities are independently owned and operated and are not owned by AAA. These facilities must meet certain criteria in order to participate in the AAA Approved Auto Repair Program.