There are many people out there that consider themselves DIYers. They would rather do things themselves than pay someone else to do it. Vehicle maintenance is one of those tasks that many of us try to do ourselves. While there are some things that should be left to the professionals, there are certain maintenance items that any DIYer can do.
An engine oil and filter change needs to be performed regularly. That expense can add up over the long term. You can save a few dollars doing an oil change yourself. It is relatively simple to perform and does not require a lot of special tools. If you do decided to perform an oil change yourself, make sure to keep records of it. These records will come in handy not only when you decided to trade-in or sell the vehicle, they might be needed should you need a major repair performed that is covered under your factory warranty or extended warranty, if applicable.
There are many components of your vehicle that require some sort of fluid. From your windshield washer to the brakes to the transmission. These levels need to be checked to ensure that each component has the correct amount of fluid in order to operate correctly. The transmission and engine both have a dip stick that allows you to check the fluid easily. The brakes, power-steering pump, coolant, and windshield washer fluid all have reservoirs that can be easily accessed checked. It is advised to refer to your owner’s manual to see what type of fluid is needed for each system and how much is needed.
While these two maintenance items may seem simple, they are very important in keeping your vehicle operating properly. Also, if an engine oil and filter change is not performed and fluid levels checked on a regular basis, it could affect the validity of your factory warranty or extended warranty, if applicable.