The vehicle should also be off for at least an hour, otherwise you may get a poor reading. Start by turning your vehicle off, including all lights and electronics (just remove the keys). Safely checking your car battery is simple. At that point, when you crank the car to a start, you’re asking the already-depleted battery to push past its limits – if you’re lucky, it obliges, though in many cases you’re stuck with a dead battery. As temperatures hit 32☏, a vehicle’s battery can lose about 35% of its power when it gets to 0☏, battery power fades by 60%. Old, weak car batteries and cold weather don’t mix. Many OEM car parts, belts, and hoses are fairly cheap to replace.Ĭar Maintenance Cost: $0 6. If you notice something strange, make an appointment and ask your auto service technician for their professional opinion and a quote on replacement auto parts. Check the hoses for deterioration, the belts for cracks or fraying edges, and look for any loose or brittle plastic parts. Inspect underneath the hood for any apparent signs of wear or aging. Your car may be running, but that doesn’t mean its internal components are clean as whistles. Many dealerships and service centers will even check and fill your tires with air for free.Ĭar Maintenance Cost: $5+ 5. Some air pumps are free-to-use, while others may cost you a few quarters. Use an air compressor or gas-station air pump to fill your tires up to the proper pressure. If your tires are underinflated, it can reduce traction, increase tread wear, and potentially even cause a flat.įind the recommended tire PSI in your vehicle’s door jamb or manual. In fact, for every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire PSI will decrease by 1-2 pounds. Check Tire PressureĪs colder temperatures move in, your tire pressure will decrease. Check your owner’s manual, ask your car dealer, or search online at sites like Car Maintenance Cost: $10/blade 4. Just be sure to check the wiper blade sizes of your model. Windshield wiper blades are affordable and can be installed in minutes. With snow and ice, these wiper problems are made worse, leaving you with streaky windshields that impede visibility. The rubber on windshield wipers will wear down, deteriorate and crack due to general use and temperature changes. Replace Windshield Wipersīefore and after every winter, you should replace your wiper blades. Not too keen on the idea of getting motor oil all over the driveway? Schedule a service appointment at a shop for an affordable, quick oil change.Ĭar Maintenance Cost: $30+ 3. Here’s a good how-to video to get you started. Then, you can choose to buy motor oil, a new oil filter, and all the other necessary tools and equipment (oil change ramps, etc.) to change your own oil. The first step to change your oil is to check the dipstick if the oil looks dark and dirty, it’s time for a change. Your car should get an oil change regularly, preferably every 7,500 miles (synthetic oil) or 5,000 miles (conventional oil), though you should always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended oil change intervals. If it takes more than 60 seconds to see the frosty windshield evaporating, you may need to have a mechanic or technician give it a once-over.Ĭar Maintenance Cost: $0 2. If you live in Kansas City, there’s no better time to inspect your heater and defroster than the beginning of fall.Īfter the first frost, set the car’s “defrost” setting to high and check if it’s working. (If you simply don’t have the time, energy or inclination to perform basic car maintenance, you can always drop your car off at an auto service center near you.) 1. So, before the first snowflake drops, grab your gloves, grease your elbows, and complete these easy, inexpensive, DIY car maintenance tasks. And love it you shall – because you’re a good car owner, and good car owners maintain their vehicles. While everyone’s sipping pumpkin spice lattes and putting up creepy-crawly Halloween decorations, your vehicle sits in the driveway, waiting for some lovin’.
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