Summer heat can take a toll on your car, but keeping it in top shape doesn’t mean expensive trips to the mechanic. With a few simple DIY maintenance tasks, you can boost performance, improve safety, and save money — all from your driveway!
From checking fluids to swapping out filters and wipers, these quick fixes will keep your ride running smoothly all season long.
Let’s give your car some TLC.
1. Check and Top-Up Essential Fluids
Fluids are your vehicle’s lifeline, and the best part is that checking and topping them up is a straightforward DIY task you can tackle in your driveway.
Start with your coolant levels and top it up to keep your ride cool and efficient.
Also, make it a habit to check other essential fluids regularly. This includes the engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
REMEMBER: You need to check some fluids, like engine oil and brake fluid, with the engine off. For lubricants like transmission fluid, you’ll need to run the engine for a few minutes (about 10-15 minutes of driving) before checking.
2. Check Tire Pressure and Wear
Keeping your tires in good shape is another easy DIY job that boosts both safety and fuel efficiency.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check that each tire matches the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual (not the side of the tire). Proper inflation can prevent uneven wear and reduce the risk of blowouts in the summer heat.
Next, inspect the tread depth to ensure you have enough grip for safe driving.
Lastly, don’t forget to retorque your wheels after any tire rotation or wheel change. This prevents the lug nuts from loosening while driving.
3. Test Your Battery
Summer heat can weaken car batteries, especially if your vehicle has been sitting idle. A quick DIY check can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Start by inspecting the battery connectors. If the rubber coverings are cracked or worn, replace them. Also, check the battery’s age — if it’s over five years old, it may be time for a new one.
To be sure, check the battery using a voltmeter. A healthy, fully charged battery should read 12.6V or higher when the car is off. With the engine running, the voltage should be between 13.7V and 14.7V, indicating that the alternator is properly charging it.
Finally, if you see white or blue corrosion on the battery terminals, clean them with a wire brush and tighten any loose connections with a wrench.
4. Replace Engine and Cabin Air Filters
It sounds tricky, but replacing your air filters is an easy DIY task.
Most car cabin filters are located behind the glove box. Slide out the old one, check the airflow direction, and pop in a new filter. This quick swap can save you $30 in labor.
For the engine air filter, locate the filter housing under the hood (a rectangular box), unclip the cover, and replace the filter if it looks dirty or clogged.
5. Change Worn Windshield Wipers and Fluid
It might seem small, but clear visibility is crucial for safe driving — especially in summer storms.
The good news?
Replacing the windshield wipers and fluid is quite simple.
Unclip the old blades and snap in new ones — most auto parts stores even offer guides to find the right size for your car.
Next, pop the hood, find the washer fluid reservoir, and top it up. With just a few minutes of effort, you’ll ensure clear, streak-free visibility all season long!
TIP: Opt for a bug-removing summer formula to keep your windshield extra clean.
6. Clean Cloudy Headlights and Replace Blown Bulbs
Over time, headlights can get foggy or yellowed, reducing brightness. You can use toothpaste or a headlight restoration kit to buff out oxidation and restore clarity.
Just apply, scrub, and wipe clean!
If a headlight, brake light, or turn signal is out, remove the old bulb by accessing the socket behind the light housing. Swap in a matching replacement (check your owner’s manual for the correct type), and you’re good to go!
7. Clean and Condition Your Car Interior
Here’s some scrubbing you can do to keep your car interior spotless and smelling fresh:
- Vacuum or wipe down surfaces: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from seats, carpets, and floor mats. Wipe down the dashboard, console, and door panels with a microfiber rag and mild cleaner to prevent dust buildup.
- Condition seats and trims: If you have leather seats, apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking. For cloth seats, a fabric cleaner can help remove stains and odors.
- Refresh the air: Add a car air freshener for that clean car scent.
These DIY maintenance tasks aren’t too difficult if you have some basic car knowledge and the right tools. But, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to reach out to a mechanic rather than risk further damage with incomplete repairs.