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These 7 DIY Car Maintenance Tasks Will Save You Money
If you really want to save money, you’ll need to learn to do it yourself. Here are a few simple DIY car maintenance tasks that will help you save money on your ride. You’ll need a couple of tools, like a socket wrench set and a drain pan, to get started.
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Tackling your own car maintenance (as long as it’s done well) will for sure save you quite a bit of money. But who isn’t looking to save as much as possible these days? Check out some of our favorite ways to save money below so you can clean up your spending even more.
If you really want to save money, you’ll need to learn to do it yourself. Here are a few simple DIY car maintenance tasks that will help you save money on your ride. You’ll need a couple of tools, like a socket wrench set and a drain pan, to get started.
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Changing your oil is one of the most vital — and cost-effective — tasks for keeping your engine in top shape. You’ll need fresh oil, a new filter and some basic tools like a drain pan and wrench. The job can get a bit messy, but it’s straightforward and can save you up to $50 each time you skip the shop.
DIY Cost: $25 to $50
Service Center Cost: $35 to $75 (with conventional oil)
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You’ve done what you can to cut back your spending. You brew coffee at home, you don’t walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast. (Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
But no matter how cognizant you are of your spending habits, you’re still stuck with those inescapable monthly bills.
You know which ones we’re talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
Ready to stop paying them? Follow these moves…
Spark plugs wear out over time and can impact your car’s performance. Replacing them yourself requires some attention to detail — never disconnect more than one wire at a time — but it’s a doable job for most drivers. Use a spark plug socket and check the gap before installing.
DIY Cost: $2 to $10 per spark plug
Service Center Cost: $100 to $250
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Replacing a car battery is easier than you might think. Always disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive. When installing the new battery, reverse the order. Watch for a few sparks — they’re normal. Doing this swap yourself helps you avoid costly markups.
DIY Cost: $80 to $400, depending on the battery you choose
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Monitoring fluid levels — oil, transmission, power steering, coolant and wiper fluid — keeps your car running well. It’s as simple as using a dipstick or checking marked reservoirs. Just don’t remove the radiator cap while it’s hot. Top off as needed and save on shop fees.
DIY Cost: Cost of fluids
Service Center Costs: The cost of fluids plus labor.
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Radiator flushes protect your engine from overheating and corrosion. Always wait for the car to cool before opening the radiator cap. Drain the old fluid, add flush solution and distilled water, then run the engine. Finish with fresh coolant for your climate.
DIY Cost: about $50
Service Center Cost: About $200
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Swapping out a dirty air filter is one of the quickest DIY tasks. Locate the airbox, pop it open and slide in a fresh filter. No special tools required — and no need to pay a mechanic for something so simple.
DIY Cost: Varies by filter
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Low tire pressure affects fuel efficiency and handling. Use a simple pressure gauge to check your tires and top off at a gas station if needed. Most places offer free air, making this a cost-free way to save money long term.
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Maybe you’re scrambling after your car broke down. Or you got a medical bill you weren’t expecting. Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge. Take a breath. You don’t need to go it alone.
When money is tight, these resources can help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
Ready to stop worrying about money?
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