Auto Repairs can be expensive, but simple do-it-yourself check-ups on your car can save you a lot of money in the long run! Here are the top three things you should check on your car every month.
Tires
Checking the tire pressure and the tire tread on your car tires is an easy thing to do. Checking the tire pressure often and filling them back up to the appropriate pressure will ensure your tire wears properly and lasts longer. Ultimately, tires wear down and need to be replaced. The best way to check is to stick a penny headfirst into the tread. If you see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. If you drive on tires with no tread, tire blowouts can occur. Tire blowouts can be costly, especially if you lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident.
Oil
Checking the oil periodically is important, especially on older cars. Oil leaks can occur and checking your oil levels once a month can help to catch a leak early on. Driving on old or low oil can void your warranty, increase wear on your engine (which can shorten the engine’s life span) and could cause serious damage to your engine. Rebuilding engines can cost $1,000 to $3,000, plus labor, while changing your oil can cost $20 to $40.
Air Filter
An old air filter can increase your fuel costs by up to 10%! If you check your filter once a month, changing when you can’t less than 50 percent of the light when the filter is held up to a 100-watt bulb, you can keep your car running efficiently! The cost is can run between $15 to $50 to change it yourself or you can get a shop to change it for you for another $20 or so.
