One of the best ways to save money on car maintenance is to handle some basic maintenance on your own. Changing your own oil is just the start—there are actually plenty of important maintenance tasks you can tackle at home with a little elbow grease and the right tools.

If your head starts to spin the minute you open your car’s hood, don’t despair! Each of these tasks is fairly simple once you know what you’re doing, and you may find yourself mastering car maintenance faster than you thought.

Replace your wiper blades

Tools required: None

Average cost: $20

How much you’ll save: $10 to $15

Wiper blades need to be changed out every six to 12 months, and it’s one of the simplest tasks you can do to keep your car in good shape. No tools required!

Change your air filters

Tools required: None

Average cost: $20 to $40 per filter

How much you’ll save: $20 to $40

Your engine air filter and cabin air filter can both get clogged with dust and other contaminants—and changing them out is as simple as locating the filter, popping it out, and inserting a replacement.

Rotate your tires

Tools required: Lug wrench, car jack, jack stands

Average cost: $0 (not including tools)

How much you’ll save: $20 to $100

Rotating your tires at home might sound intimidating. But if you’ve got the tools to change a tire, you can complete a rotation at home—just be sure to check your owner’s manual for the correct rotation pattern!

Check your battery

Tools required: Multimeter

Average cost: $0 (not including tools)

How much you’ll save: $35 to $45

Every car battery can lose power at a different rate depending on usage, vehicle, and environmental factors. Investing in a multimeter is an easy way to stay up to date on your battery’s life—and save money!

Flush your radiator fluid

Tools required: Screwdriver or wrench, drain pan, radiator flush solution, funnel, coolant

Average cost: $25

How much you’ll save: $25 to $125

Replacing your car’s radiator fluid is about as easy as changing engine oil—and unlike an oil change, which is often cheaper at a garage, a DIY radiator flush can save you a decent chunk of cash.

Replace your spark plugs

Tools required: Ratchet or socket wrench set, spark plug socket, spark plugs

Average cost: $50 to $100

How much you’ll save: $125 to $150

You should swap out your spark plugs for new ones between 30,000 and 90,000 miles. The price of replacements varies considerably, but if you change them out at home, you may be able to spring for a better set that will last longer!

Replace your serpentine belt

Tools required: Ratchet and socket set, torque wrench, wrench set, car jack and jack stands

Average cost: $20 to $80 (not including tools)

How much you’ll save: $75 to $120

If you’ve got a decent set of tools and an afternoon to spare, replacing a serpentine belt at home is fairly doable.

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The dos and don’ts of car maintenance

Do: Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Put any key service dates into your calendar so you won’t miss them—and add a reminder to shop for insurance every six months.

Don’t: Put off regular maintenance, especially oil changes. Even if it seems like a minor issue, leaving mechanical issues unaddressed can result in serious engine damage—and you won’t have insurance coverage if your engine fails due to skipped maintenance.

Do: Invest in a good set of tools and an OBD-II scanner, and keep an eye out for dashboard lights. Having the right equipment on hand to diagnose and fix any routine car troubles can save you money in the long run by avoiding accidents that might raise your insurance premium.

Don’t: Add illegal or expensive mods. Some upgrades can be an easy and fun way to improve your car’s performance or just add a personal touch—but a lot of fancy mods could increase your insurance premium.

Do: Take a defensive driving course. Knowing how to navigate difficult situations on the road can increase your safety, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, and even win you insurance discounts!

Don’t: Drive recklessly. Not only can it raise your insurance rate, but excessive speeding or rough braking can speed up wear and tear on your car, increasing the cost of maintenance.

Do: Report any accidents to your insurance company. Reporting an accident can help you get the coverage you need for repairs, and it’s a good way to protect yourself from potential legal trouble.

Don’t: Wait too long to file an insurance claim. In most cases, you’ll have a year or more to file a claim, but the time limit depends on your location and coverage, so be sure you know your limits when considering a claim!

Do: Invest in safety upgrades. Your insurance premium is partly based on your vehicle’s safety rating, so installing safety technology like automatic emergency braking or a collision avoidance system can save you money—and you’ll be better protected from damage down the road!

Don’t: Drive without proper insurance. Always carry proof of insurance that meets your state’s minimum requirements. Carrying a strong insurance policy won’t just help you avoid fines and legal consequences—it can help you pay for essential repairs if you’re in an accident.

The five most affordable cars to own

The cost of car ownership isn’t just a matter of sticker price and

insurance premiums

. When you factor in the long-term costs of maintenance, along with fuel costs and depreciation, some cars stand out above the pack. According to Kelley Blue Book, these are the five most affordable cars to own based on the 5-year cost to own.

Hyundai Accent: Excellent fuel economy and Hyundai’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty with complimentary maintenance make this subcompact sedan an affordable choice.

Chevrolet Spark: Like most American makes, Chevrolet has low maintenance costs, and the Spark’s shockingly low price tag makes this pint-sized hatchback a financial win-win.

Nissan Versa: Advanced safety tech lowers maintenance costs for the Versa and could mean a more affordable insurance premium.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid: The Corolla has some of the lowest maintenance costs of any car—and the hybrid version combines those savings with slashed fuel costs.

Kia Rio: Kia is known for its best-in-class warranties, and the Rio’s no exception. This subcompact comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

Summary

Following a regular car maintenance schedule can extend your car’s life, prevent unexpected costs and serious accidents, and save you money over time.

When building your car’s maintenance schedule, start by checking the owner’s manual to see when the manufacturer recommends certain services and replacements. It’s also a good idea to read the terms of your new car warranty carefully to understand what’s covered.

In general, expect to perform regular maintenance on a monthly and semi-annual basis, along with major services at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Although car insurance won’t cover routine maintenance caused by expected wear and tear, it can help to cover repair costs if you’re in an accident.

The exact cost of maintenance will depend on the vehicle you drive and where you live. American and Asian cars tend to come with lower insurance costs than European brands, particularly when it comes to luxury makes. The cost of maintenance in your area depends on the availability of mechanic services along with market rates for labor and the types of service that are most common in your state.

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with help from Jerry’s experts. And with Jerry’s expert car maintenance tips, you can keep your car in peak operating condition for years to come—and avoid the accidents and repair bills that make car ownership a financial burden!