Getting involved in your vehicle's upkeep is a cost-effective way to extend its life. Read this post by Ken Reaser Enterprises in Apopka to learn a few DIY car maintenance tasks you can do at home.

Owning a car comes with many responsibilities, one of which is maintenance. In that sense, having a trustworthy mechanic by your side is imperative. But even so, no one knows your car better than you do, so why not get more involved in its maintenance? From saving money to becoming more familiar with your vehicle and its workings, the benefits of undertaking DIY car maintenance tasks are many. Thus, this post will walk you through simple projects you can do at home. Read on to find out more!

Upgrade your engine's performance by feeding it with top-quality formulas, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. To get this and other excellent products for your car, visit AMSOIL's online store or call Ken Reaser Enterprises in Apopka at (321) 230-6958.

DIY Car Maintenance Tasks You Can Do at Home

Oil Changes

Over time, synthetic oil breaks down and loses its ability to protect the engine. That is why you must change it every 10,000 to 25,000 miles or once per year. Please refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to complete this project on your type of engine. Also, ensure to dispose of the old oil properly. Typically, auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil for recycling.

Oil Level Checks

Another thing to notice about oil is that its levels tend to drop. That is partly due to its evaporation and consumption. But it can also be due to hidden leaks. That's why you must check your oil levels at least once a month. Here's how:

1. Park the car on a level surface and wait for the engine to cool down.
2. Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a rag.
4. Reinsert the dipstick for a couple of seconds and pull it out again from the tube. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
5. If the oil level is low, add oil to bring it up to the correct level.

Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter is typically made of pleated paper or foam to capture dust, dirt, and other airborne debris. Over time, the filter can become clogged and dirty. When that happens, the amount of air flowing into the engine reduces. That can cause reduced fuel efficiency and loss of power. So, to ensure a supply of clean air to your engine, check and replace the air filter once every year.

Contact the oil pros at Ken Reaser Enterprises at (321) 230-6958 to get the best synthetic oil change in Apopka. Or, stop by AMSOIL's online store to explore their entire catalog of top-shelf oils and car care products.

Take a Look at the Tire Tread

One of the best things you can do for your tires is to check their tread depth. You can find many methods to perform this inspection, but the simplest is to insert a penny into the tire's tread with Lincoln's face facing downward. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is too worn, so you should replace the tire. Alternatively, you can use a tire depth gauge to perform this check. While inspecting each tire's tread depth, look for signs of wear or damage. Look for things like cuts, bulges, or punctures. If you see any damage, take your car to a certified mechanic to repair or replace the tires.

Checking Tire Pressure

Another simple check you can do is to measure the tire pressure. All you need is a tire pressure gauge and the owner's manual. Also, perform this check when the tires are cold in the morning. Start by verifying the recommended tire pressure in the manual. Then, pick a tire, remove its valve cap, and press the gauge onto the valve stem until you hear a hissing sound. Read the pressure and repeat the process on all tires. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, adjust it accordingly.

Checking and Replacing the Wiper Blades

Finally, keep an eye on your windshield wiper blades. Replacing these devices on time is vital to maintain good visibility on the road. With that in mind, inspect your car's wiper blades, preferably every six months. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, tears, or a worn-out rubber edge. Additionally, clean these devices with a soft cloth and windshield wiper fluid. Overall, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or as soon as signs of wear and tear appear.

Get more out of your engine's performance by feeding it with the best synthetic oil in Apopka. For advice on what formulas and products work best for your car, call Ken Reaser Enterprises at (321) 230-6958 anytime. Or, visit the online store to discover the wide range of AMSOIL products.