Top 3 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance
Face it, cars are expensive to maintain. It’s hard to leave a shop without spending $500-$1000! Follow these top 3 DIY maintenance tops to save money on your car repairs.
1. Oil Changes
You have to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Depending on how much you drive, this could be 4 or more trips to the quick lube per year. At $50 each, you can easily save yourself several hundred dollars just by doing these yourself, even after buying the oil and filter. Check out these links to see step by step instructions on changing the oil in a Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sienna, Dodge 318 or Honda Accord.
For other cars, buy your supplies from Amazon, and have them delivered to your door. Check your owners manual for the recommended type of oil. Here is some good 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, then check out the Amazon Oil Filter Selection Tool. Select your vehicle to find the oil filter for you.
2. Change Your Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter in your car should be checked every 15,000 miles and changed every 30,000 miles. Don’t pay a shop $35-$85 to do this, when the job will only take you a screwdriver, 10 minutes, and $10. Buy the filter off of Amazon, and install it yourself.
Amazon Engine Air Filter Selection Tool
For detailed instructions on doing this yourself, click these links for a Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord.
3. Change Your Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter cleans the air you breath. Ever get a funky smell coming from the vents when you turn on the A/C or heater? This is the culprit. These should be checked every 15,000 miles and changed every 30,000 miles, just like your engine filter. A shop can easily charge you $77-$123 for this!
These are super simple to replace. Buy the filter for less off of Amazon than at a chain auto parts store, or even Walmart, by using the selection tool:
Amazon Cabin Air Filter Selection Tool
Here are links for detailed instructions and part numbers specific to a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Accord.
Conclusion
Use this list as motivation to take back some control of your own vehicle maintenance. These are simple maintenance steps that can empower you and save you money at the same time!
