If there's one lesson I've learned the hard way over the years, it's that not maintaining your vehicle or equipment costs you in the end.
Doing your own vehicle and equipment maintenance can save you both money now as well as in the future. I recommend picking up a Hayne's or Chilton repair manual that is specific to your vehicle make and model.
Most maintenance and repair jobs are fairly straight forward, and you can often save at least 50% off the price you'd pay if you had a repair shop do the service for you. Invest in a decent set of tools, and familiarize yourself with your vehicles routine maintenance schedules to avoid any unnecessary vehicle breakdowns.
Change your oil at the specified intervals (Usually 3,000 miles or 3 months, longer if your using full synthetic oil), inspect hoses and belt's at recommended intervals, and maintain the proper fluid levels In all reservoirs under the hood.
Afraid you might do something wrong or break something? Don't worry about it. Parts are pretty versatile, and usually can only fit on in one possible way. Besides, the part was broken to begin with, so how much worse can you really make it?
What tools should you buy you ask? Buy a starters mechanic toolset and make sure it includes a full set of both SAE and Metric ratchet sets, and wrenches as well. Make sure you buy a good oil filter wrench, spark plug socket tool, and of course don't forget to buy a funnel and oil drain pan. I'd recommend also investing in a decent racing floor jack, as well as a sturdy set of jack stands to support the vehicle. Tire chocks and a creeper to easily get in and out from under the car is also a plus.
As far as purchasing your parts, I personally swear by JC Whitney. They're parts are almost always cheaper than autozone or advanced auto, and if you purchase over 99$ worth of merchandise shipping is often free. So why not synchronize all your vehicles and purchase the parts and materials all in one go and safe time and money?
Give them a look. They've been kind enough to allow me to offer you an 8% discount on all orders over 99$!
Doing your own vehicle and equipment maintenance can save you both money now as well as in the future. I recommend picking up a Hayne's or Chilton repair manual that is specific to your vehicle make and model.
Most maintenance and repair jobs are fairly straight forward, and you can often save at least 50% off the price you'd pay if you had a repair shop do the service for you. Invest in a decent set of tools, and familiarize yourself with your vehicles routine maintenance schedules to avoid any unnecessary vehicle breakdowns.
Change your oil at the specified intervals (Usually 3,000 miles or 3 months, longer if your using full synthetic oil), inspect hoses and belt's at recommended intervals, and maintain the proper fluid levels In all reservoirs under the hood.
Afraid you might do something wrong or break something? Don't worry about it. Parts are pretty versatile, and usually can only fit on in one possible way. Besides, the part was broken to begin with, so how much worse can you really make it?
What tools should you buy you ask? Buy a starters mechanic toolset and make sure it includes a full set of both SAE and Metric ratchet sets, and wrenches as well. Make sure you buy a good oil filter wrench, spark plug socket tool, and of course don't forget to buy a funnel and oil drain pan. I'd recommend also investing in a decent racing floor jack, as well as a sturdy set of jack stands to support the vehicle. Tire chocks and a creeper to easily get in and out from under the car is also a plus.
As far as purchasing your parts, I personally swear by JC Whitney. They're parts are almost always cheaper than autozone or advanced auto, and if you purchase over 99$ worth of merchandise shipping is often free. So why not synchronize all your vehicles and purchase the parts and materials all in one go and safe time and money?
Give them a look. They've been kind enough to allow me to offer you an 8% discount on all orders over 99$!
