Page 10 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – October/November 2020

7 DIY Car Maintenance Projects to Take On
By Blair Lampe
Why not fill some of your newly found free time with a few at-home, do-it-yourself car maintenance projects? You can feel a great sense of accomplishment from seeing your DIY dreams come to fruition. Here are seven manageable project ideas to get you started.
1. Spice Up Your Ride. Your car’s interior is what you see the most, so why not give it a face-lift? Numerous aftermarket products take little to no time to install and really give the space a new feel. Think steering wheel covers, new floor mats, patch kits for torn upholstery — even just taking extra time to give your interior a deep clean (like using cotton swabs to clean the air conditioner vents) can make it feel like you’ve got a whole new ride.
2. Take on a Bigger or Must-Do-Eventually Project.
Some things just take more time, so you might as well use it if you’ve got it. If you have a high-mileage engine, the timing belt can be replaced before it gives you problems.
If your windshield has a small crack or chip in it, take the time to fix it. This isn’t a huge project, but if you’re putting it off, now’s the time to check it off your list.
3. Make or Update Emergency Kits. Go through that box you’ve stashed in the trunk, throw out your expired granola bars and make sure you have all the tools you need, such as flashlights, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge and a first-aid kit. While you’re at it, brainstorm how to build kits for different seasons, so you’ll always be prepared.
4. Update Your Radio or Sound System. Still carting around a CD collection? Speakers blown or simply not doing enough for you? Upgrade your vibe or install a new system. Again, there are lots of aftermarket products to
IStock: Skodonnell
elevate your sound and more than enough information from manuals and the internet to dig in.
5. Take on All the Little Things. There are many basic, required maintenance tasks that are regularly outsourced for convenience, but if you have the time, why not just
do them yourself? Oil and filter changes, spark plugs, windshield wipers, tire rotation, brake-pad replacement — all of these are possible with the right tools and easy enough to accomplish by folks who don’t ordinarily DIY. If you’re new to it, though, make sure to pay close attention to all recommended safety procedures.
6. Stay in Suspense. Your vehicle’s suspension system is essential, and for some, it’s as much about how it looks as it is about practicality. Trucks that spend a lot of time in mud or on uncertain terrain for business or pleasure will benefit from a lift kit. But if you have a sports car, you might actually want to lower the suspension to decrease drag. Either way, there’s a kit for you.
7. Do Some Light Work. Switching out your headlight bulbs to be more energy-efficient isn’t the only lighting upgrade to consider. Installing LED running lights creates a stylish accent, and it’s a low-impact project with cool results that can be done in an afternoon.
However you choose to spend your time, remember there are projects and upgrades aplenty when it comes to cars. All you have to do is get started. Check out all the interior accessories available at AAA.com/NAPA, where members get special pricing. For more information on DIY car maintenance, chat with an expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.
10 I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020