Having a car does not need you to be a trained mechanic in order to possess one; yet, it is vital for all drivers to be familiar with the following fundamentals of automotive care.

How To Change Headlights

It cannot be avoided. Headlights ultimately burn out, and replacement is necessary as soon as possible. One of a car's most crucial safety elements is its headlights, which both improve your visibility and that of onlookers. Thankfully, changing a car's headlight is an easy and quick adjustment that anybody can perform on their own. Instead of scheduling a time and dropping your car off at a mechanic, you'll actually save time by doing it yourself because it's so quick. Have an extra set of bulbs on hand so you can quickly get back to work.

How To Check Tire Pressure

Since all tires lose air, monitoring your tires once a month is a crucial part of routine auto maintenance. Check the air pressure in your tires first thing in the morning, not after driving on them or after they've been out in the sun. Always use the same tire pressure gauge. Not the maximum pressure indicated on the tire, but the pressures indicated on the manufacturer's sticker (on the driver's door or jamb) should be inflated to. Not the tire manufacturer or tread pattern, but the weight of your specific car determines the appropriate tire pressure. Tires last longer with routine maintenance. 

Read also: 

• Car Maintenance Tips That Pay Off Big
• 10 Car Maintenance Tips For Beginners
• How to Check Your Car's 6 Essential Fluids
• 5 Important Elements for Brake Maintenance

How To Replace Your Wiper Blades

Knowing when to replace your blades is simple. Just hit the washing button and check to see if your blades come out clean. They're toast if they streak. Although there are many inexpensive blades available at the auto parts store, choose a known brand (ANCO, Trico, or Bosch). Although their higher-quality rubber wipes last longer, have superior UV protection, and clean better than cheap blades, they cost more.

Observe the installation guidelines provided on the packaging. After you take out the old blade, make sure you have a good grasp on the wiper arm. It can smash the windshield with enough power to fracture it if it manages to get away from you.

How To Check Oil Level

Pick up a cloth, open the hood, and take out the dipstick (if you're unsure of its location, see your owner's handbook). Make sure the dipstick seats all the way by wiping it with the rag and re-inserting it into the dipstick tube. Next, take it out once more to examine the level of oil. The dipstick has two markings, notches, or holes that correspond to the "FULL" and "ADD" levels. You run out of oil if the oil level drops below the ADD indicator.To fill the oil level to the full mark on the dipstick, add just enough oil.

For your next oil change, do it yourself instead of sending someone to the technician.Although changing your own oil at home might be scary at first, it's really simply inexpensive fundamental auto maintenance that you can do yourself. 

Read also: How to check the 5 essential fluids in your car

How To Check Tire Tread Depth

Disregard the penny-in-the-tread method. A tread depth gauge is far more precise and only costs a few dollars. Measure the depth of the central tread and the tread at a distance of about 1 inch from either edge. They need should all be same. Your automobile can be out of alignment if they aren't.

How To Jump Start a Dead Battery

Most vehicle owners will encounter a dead battery at some point, which means you should know how to jump start a car. Jump starting a vehicle is an easy and safe piece of basic car maintenance if you follow four simple steps:

1. Clamp the positive cable to the positive terminal of the weak battery. (Make sure the other end doesn’t touch any part of the car’s engine or body or you could get a dangerous spark.)
2. Clamp the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
3. Clamp the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal of the good battery.
4. Clamp the other end of the negative cable to a clean metal part of the engine such as a bolt head or bracket in the car with the weak battery. (Keep the clamp away from the battery, any moving parts and the fuel system.)

Read also: 6 Tire care tips to keep your tires in good condition

How To Check Engine Air Filter

It's simple to test and replace your filter, so do it yourself. Replace the filter according to its actual state as opposed to the servicing intervals suggested by the manufacturer. It is easy to check its condition. Simply take it out and examine it. It is time to change your air filter if the back-light test is not passed. Vacuum the debris from the air cleaner box while the filter is removed.

How To Refill Windshield Washer Fluid

This one seems like a no-brainer, but if you don’t know where your windshield washer fluid reservoir is located, pop the hood and find it ASAP. You don’t want to get caught on a muddy road with no windshield washer fluid! And be sure to keep some backup fluid in your trunk in case you need to refill it in a pinch. If needed, you can also repair your windshield washer yourself. 

How To Clean Your Car

You don’t have to be an expert car detailer to get your ride gleaming. And you can save some cash by doing it yourself. Check out our tried-and-true DIY car detailing tips.