I also feel empowered as shit, and my knowledge has made me a better consumer.
Mechanics dont intimidate me anymore.
To start, youll need to know your VIN and your exact car model.
Since this is sometimes confusing when you get down into the minutiae (Did I buy the LTD?
How many cylinders does my engine have?)
it’s possible for you to use theVIN to look upanything youre unsure about.
It will tell you the part you need for your specific kind of car.
Youll also use that model to look for videos showing you how to perform the maintenance task at hand.
Talk about high rewardthis repair is an almost guaranteed success, its inexpensive, and it requires few tools.
Youll start by googling your car model and replace headlight.
This info is typically located on the inside of your driver door panel.
Itll tell you your tire size, and the appropriate pressure level.
To test your tire pressure, youll need a tire pressure gauge.
Theyre inexpensive, and there are now electronic ones that are basically idiotproof.
(Though not an idiot, I prefer them.)
Keep the gauge in your driver or passenger door pocket so its easy to access while on the road.
The real pro-tip is to get your own portabletire gauge/inflatorand keep it in your car.
You might be able to inflate enough to get to a gas station.
You should replace your blades once a year, or sooner if theyre showing signs of wear.
Use your cars manual to locate the oil gauge, and then remove it entirely.
Wipe it clean, and then dip it back into the oil tank.
Remove it again, and now youll be able to see the level clearly.
If it is low, you just need to top it off with the right oil.
(Did you know that the major chains like Jiffy Lube will top you up for free between visits?
(If I could go back,Id buy the longest cables I could afford.
)From there, the steps are simple.
Dont lose it, in case you find yourself with a dead battery someplace without wifi.
Dead Car: connect red cable.
Alive Car: connect red cable.
Alive Car: connect black cable.
Turn on the Alive Car.
Turn on Dead Car.
The engine should start right up.
Dead Car: disconnect black cable.
Alive Car: disconnect black cable.
Alive Car: disconnect red cable.
Dead Car: disconnect red cable.
Thats itbut you dont even need a second car if you have the right equipment.
Use a funnel, pour it in, put the top back on, and thats it.
How to check your engines air filter.First, its important to know you have a few different air filters.
Cars always have an engine air filter, and they usually have a cabin air filter.
These are the very expensive things they venture to sell you at oil changes.
The cabin air filter is less intimidating, because it is usually located in the car cabin.
Again, use your manual* to locate it.
it’s possible for you to purchase filters in bulk online or at your local car part store.
Add it to your calendar, and replace them every six months.
Dont pay the markup at your next oil change for something you could easily handle.
Its usually attached to the engine by some clips or a cover.
Dont be intimidated; just google to find a Youtube video for your model.
it’s possible for you to do this outside an auto parts store.
Bring the old filter inside, find the correct replacement, and make the swap.
it’s possible for you to even choose a reusable filter, and just clean it when necessary.
The cost for my DIY repair was $83.
The lowest quote I got was for $1,800.
I also replaced the A/C blower last yearanother $500 job that I managed for $38.
(The A/C blower was behind the glovebox.
Did you know the glovebox comes out?)
The shop wanted $400, but it cost two hours and $40 to fix myself.
Thats the real reason that Ive learned so much about my carit has saved me so much money.
I have saved thousands of dollars simply by becoming a more informed consumer.
*A note about your cars manual
Your car has a manual.
Its that bulky thing in the glovebox.
Until last year, I had never read the manual.
It was chock full of legitimately useful information.
Like, actually sit down and read the damn thing.
It will teach you a lot.
