10 Car Maintenance Skills Every Mom Should Master

Knowing how to maintain your car could mean the difference between getting home and being stuck on the road in the middle of nowhere. These simple skills don’t require knowing a car engine inside and out, and any mom can master them. Here are ten car maintenance tips to help you ensure your safety during every journey.

1. Pumping Your Own Gas

Any northside service center will tell you that the best place to start is pumping your own gas. With very few gas stations being full-service, it’s important to know how to keep your gas tank topped up.

2. Topping Up The Washer Fluid

It’s as easy as popping the top of the reservoir and pouring windshield fluid into it. It’s best to use a funnel so that you don’t spill the fluid all over your car, since the product is highly flammable.

3. Checking Your Oil

To accurately check the oil level, remove the dipstick and clean it with a rag or paper towel. Reinsert it into the tester, then take it out once more. Examine the fill line in relation to the oil level on the stick.

4. Jumpstarting Your Car

First, you’ll need a decent pair of jumper cables. After that, there are plenty of videos online that demonstrate how to jumpstart your car. But once you’ve done it the first time, it gets easier after that.

5. Changing Your Headlight Bulbs

Each vehicle is different, so the process is not going to be standard. The safest way to learn how to change your headlight is to look up your model of car online to see how it’s done.

6. Changing Wiper Blades

Visibility is important, especially in extreme weather – and you don’t want to pay a mechanic to do this simple job for you. The wiper blades are pretty easy to change out, so you don’t have to worry about screwing them up.

7. How The Change A Fuse

Fuses in a car can burn out or fail, similar to those in your home’s fuse box. It’s advisable to keep spare fuses in the glove compartment, as replacing a burned-out fuse is quite simple.

8. Checking Tire Pressure

You can measure air pressure using a small air pressure gauge or a penny. The gauge provides greater accuracy and is conveniently stored in your glove compartment.

9. Keeping An Eye On Scratches

If your vehicle features a metal exterior, even a minor scratch can result in rust formation. Should you observe a scratch, attempt to buff it out; if that proves ineffective, consider purchasing a small bottle of sealant or car paint to stop moisture from penetrating that area.

10. Changing Air Filters

The air filter prevents engine odors from infiltrating the vehicle, which can lead to headaches and create concern. Regularly replacing the air filter helps avoid this issue and allows for easier detection of any unpleasant smells from the engine, which may signal a potential problem.

Learning these new skills can help you feel more confident about owning your car. Speak to someone at your service center or a friend who can show you all of these important skills to keep your car in good working condition.