Each vehicle has a maintenance schedule, outlined in the owner’s manual. Be sure you read and understand the schedule. Items that require regular maintenance include the car’s fluids, tires, brakes, and filters. Oil and air filter changes are particularly important to keep the engine running efficiently and make great projects for the beginning do-it-yourselfer. You can find guides on how to change your oil online. Get an experienced adult to help the first few times.
Did you know? These days experts say that you only need to change your oil every 5,000 miles (not every 3,000 miles like when your parents were younger)? A good rule of thumb is: If the vehicle is a 2003 model or newer, it’s fine to change the oil every 5,000 miles.
