All cars, new and old, require some kind of regular

For most people, a car is a necessary mode of transportation that we must keep running in order to get to work, drop the kids off at school, or just plain get around town. While some people may be mechanically-inclined when it comes to car maintenance, that is not always the case. This is where your Long Beach Toyota dealership comes in. However, taking your car into your Toyota dealer on a regular basis can be costly, and unnecessary. Of course keep in mind that the tips listed below will not give your car super powers, it is still very important to take your car in to your trusted Long Beach automotive repair shop when big problems or strange noises arise. Even though you are not an expert, there are a handful of repairs and preventative things you can do that will save you money on car maintenance.

Tips for Saving on Car Maintenance

Small repairs and replacements you can do on your own car could save you hundreds of dollars, and it always helps to acquire a new useful skill or two!

Oil

Changing your oil is imperative to your car's overall performance, but it can be costly. If your vehicle takes regular oil, you will need to change it every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. If you drive a lot, this can certainly add up. Changing your own oil may seem difficult, but it is actually something you can teach yourself to do, and it will save you money. It should only take around 45 min and cost $20 (for the oil and filter), which is far more affordable. Tip: make sure to never change your oil when your car is hot!

Windshield Wipers

Being proactive and replacing your windshield wipers when they are starting to falter is another quick fix you can do on your own that will save you money. They cost around $15 and should only take about 10 minutes to replace.

Clean Your Battery

Remembering to check your battery connection from time to time will keep your from having to deal with a getting a new battery when it is less convenient. Purchase a wire brush (should be about $5) and clean the posts with a corrosion removal fluid. This will help it last longer and will also give you an idea of how much life it has left.

Headlights

Replacing your headlights on your own will likely cost you $20-$100, depending on the kind of bulb you need. It should only take you 10 minutes to complete, so it is far better to do it on your own then take it in.

Finding ways to save on car maintenance are not as difficult as you may think. From changing your own oil to regularly checking and cleaning your battery, there are ways that you can take the upkeep of your vehicle into your own hands.