My dad’s a mechanic and these are all the car maintenance projects he swears are worth every cent!
If there’s one thing I learned growing up with a mechanic dad, it’s this: cars need constant care, and skipping regular maintenance is a fast track to costly repairs. I spent countless weekends in my dad’s garage, working side-by-side under the hoods of all kinds of vehicles. While my friends teased me for diving into what they called “not-so-lady-like activities,” I didn’t mind one bit. I was bonding with my dad, learning practical skills, and gaining an appreciation for something we all rely on: our cars.
Over time, I picked up valuable lessons about what’s worth spending money on—and what’s not—when it comes to car maintenance projects. Spoiler: ignoring strange noises or skipping an oil change is never a good idea!
My dad always said, “If you want your car to last and save money in the long run, you’ve got to be practical and prioritize the essentials.” And he’s right. So, whether you’re a seasoned vehicle owner or just starting out, stick around! I’m sharing the best car maintenance projects my dad swears are worth every cent. Let’s keep your car running like a dream; your wallet will thank you!
1. Buy brand gasoline
When I got my first car, my mechanic dad made sure he reminded me to buy brand gasoline whenever possible. Now I advise you to do the same because it can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s long-term performance and health.
Even though it’s more expensive, this fuel frequently meets higher standards and is packed with specific additives designed to keep the entire engine clean by reducing carbon buildup. Moreover, having a cleaner engine will help it run more smoothly and efficiently, last longer, and require fewer costly repairs.
So, if you want to avoid costly car maintenance projects in the long run, you’d better take care of your vehicle by investing in high-quality fuel!
2. Use synthetic motor oil
Another thing I’ve noticed is that my dad told all the customers who stepped foot into his garage to spend a bit more to get an oil change with synthetic oil. That’s because it breaks down differently than regular oil and burns at higher temperatures.
Moreover, synthetic motor oil gets into specific spots regular oil can’t get into. This tip is available for any car owner, but especially for those who have newer vehicles and want to preserve and use them for as long as possible.
3. Use fuel tank cleaner
If you want to boost your gas mileage and extend the life of your vehicle, my dad suggests adding a fuel tank cleaner to your gas tank. This simple trick helps remove harmful carbon deposits from critical engine parts, improving power and fuel economy at the same time.
Make sure to check the label for detailed instructions, including when to add the cleaner and how many gallons should be in the tank for optimal results and efficiency. Even though it seems like extra work, it will help you avoid costly car maintenance repairs in the long run, so it’s worth it!
4. Check the air filter
Take a moment to check if your vehicle’s air filter needs to be replaced. It won’t take long and is a great way to keep your engine running smoothly. According to my professional mechanic, a clean air filter helps your spark plugs work like magic and ensures the engine receives the right amount of air.
Most air filters cost between $20 and $75, but make sure you get the one recommended for your car’s needs and model. To make things even simpler, here’s a good rule of thumb from the pros: replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to keep your automobile in top shape.
5. Don’t ignore small issues
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on car maintenance projects, you should never ignore minor issues! Whether it’s a slight noise you hear, a faint underinflated tire, or a dim tug to the left or right of the wheel, don’t ignore it! It might seem too insignificant to take the vehicle in for service, but I recommend asking a trusted mechanic to take a look ASAP.
Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure you can use your vehicle in top condition for many years to come.
…If you want to discover other tips from the pros, keep reading, because we have more coming!
6. Top off your fluids
According to my professional mechanic, keeping your fluids filled up can help keep your vehicle running smoothly. Besides that, it also helps extend its life, and that’s always a plus if you ask me. So, get under the hood and check if there’s enough motor oil. Add more if it needs to be filled or get an oil change (synthetic works better).
And if your hands are already dirty, check the transmission fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Make sure you check your automobile’s manual to find where each fluid compartment is, what type of fluids to use, how much to fill, and how frequently to top them up.
If you’re not a fan of checking these things yourself, ask your mechanic to check and do the refill for you. It’s simple, and it will save you a lot of money and potential problems in the future!
7. Don’t drive aggressively
We all know that it’s best to drive carefully and not aggressively, but when you drive a stick that’s pretty old, you might push the speed pedal a little hard—or at least that’s what I’m doing when I’m up the hill (you can come for me in the comments; I know I’m not a perfect driver).
However, as my dad says, your driving style is directly related to how long and reliable your car will be. Aggressive driving increases the heat in brakes, engine, tires, and transmission, and we all know that too much heat is a problem for mechanical devices.
Believe it or not, you cut your transmission’s life in half with every 10 degrees above normal operating temperatures. Zooming up or down the mountains might be fun, but it puts extra pressure on your transmission, engine, and brakes, pushing their temperatures beyond normal limits.
Doing so over time will only shorten your automobile’s lifespan. So, don’t do the same thing I sometimes do, and take it easy on those steep climbs and descents to keep your car running smoothly for years to come!
8. Get an OBD II scanner
If you want to save money on costly car repairs, my dad swears by this device. He recommends the ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner, which costs under $30 and helps you identify issues by reading out trouble codes.
This small tool is a lifesaver, especially when your “check engine” light comes on. It tells you whether it’s something simple, like a loose hose or gas cap, saving you from unnecessary trips to the mechanic. No need to pop the hood—just plug it in under the steering wheel, turn the key to the “on” position, and it will give you a readout of potential problems. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to stay on top of car maintenance and avoid expensive fixes. Check it out—it could save you a lot of money!
What are your thoughts on these easy things to pay attention to to save money in the long run? Did you find any of these helpful? If you want to know more, leave a comment below and I’ll take care of that. It’ll be sooner than you think!
If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to check out something else from Urban Cars Blog, here’s a great post for you: 8 Most Fuel-Guzzling Cars of All Time! Gorgeous, but Expensive
