Simple Car Tasks That Can Save You A Lot Of Money

Owning a car is expensive, and even more expensive if it is not properly taken care of. It is important to be proactive about vehicle maintenance so that you are not just waiting for something bad to happen to your car, such as a dead battery or a popped tire. If you do find yourself with significant car issues, our ASE-certified Wrench mobile technicians are happy to tackle any and all problems you might be having. However, we have also put together a list of simple car tasks you can perform that could save you a lot of money. Whether it be changing your windshield wipers before the wet season or checking your tire pressure, these easy tasks can go a long way when it comes to car maintenance. If you are noticing that something is wrong with your car that may be hindering your safety or ability to drive, schedule an appointment with a Wrench mobile technician immediately. If not, read these tasks to stay on top of your car maintenance game.

• Get to know your owner’s manual. This will be your best friend when it comes to maintenance and taking care of your car. Get familiar with the maintenance schedule and know when it is time to perform various services such as oil and filter change, tire rotation, etc. The car manufacturer does not gain anything from you following the maintenance schedule, so do not think of it as a scam or a waste of money; rather, sticking to the detailed plan could save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Inspect your vehicle on a regular basis. Reading the owner’s manual will help you know what to look for in terms of strange noises, warning lights, scratches, etc. It is also good to do a walk-around inspection to check for any scratches, dents, or other abnormalities that could hinder your driving performance or put you at risk of further damage.
• Regular oil and filter change. Determine what kind of oil you should use (link to article) and how often. Oil lubricates the engine and without it engine parts could grind together and cause a lot of damage. Only do the oil change yourself if you feel confident that you know what you are doing. If not, schedule an appointment with a Wrench mobile technician, who can come to your home or place of work and perform the service while you go about your life.
• Check tires monthly. There should be a sticker on the door with the appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle, so add air if the levels in your tires do not match. Having low tire pressure can result in fuel inefficiency, so it is saving you money to keep your tires properly inflated. It is also a good idea to check on your spare tire every once in a while to make sure it is still in good condition. You do not want to find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire and a faulty spare. Additionally, check your treads every so often to assess the wear and tear. There are various different methods you can use to determine if your tire treads are worn down and how to determine if it is time for new tires. Finally, wheel alignment should be monitored whenever your car is worked on by a professional, but this is also something that can be attempted at home if you feel capable when it comes to car maintenance.
• Inspect all other fluids regularly. These fluids include brake and transmission fluids as well as coolant and washer fluids. Keeping all of these levels topped off will also improve fuel efficiency and help you avoid larger issues such as the engine overheating or the brakes getting stuck.
• Replace your windshield wipers if they are not working properly. This is an easy fix and something you can do yourself. It is inexpensive and will improve your visibility if done right. This is especially important if you live in a place with a significant rainy or snowy season because you want your windshield wipers to be working as efficiently as possible.
• Monitor your spark plugs. Spark plugs need replacing after 30,000 miles, so if you think your car is getting close to that mark, give them a check.
• Learn the meaning of warning light indicators. Familiarizing yourself with their different meanings will help you know when something goes wrong. Some important warning lights include the check engine light, service engine, electrical fault, brake warning, ASB warning light, and coolant or oil warning light.
  

If you are proactive about taking care of your car and about maintenance in general, your car should live a long and happy life. Remember that a little bit of work can go a long way, so do not cut corners when it comes to car maintenance. Listen to your car when it is trying to tell you something, or better yet, prevent any issues from happening. If you are ever unsure about an issue with your vehicle or what services should be performed, our customer service team is happy to help. Our team can be contacted at hello@wrench.com, or by phone, at 844-997-3624.