Want to keep your car in good shape and save money on repairs? If so, roll up your sleeves and try the DIY car maintenance projects listed in this post by Weaver Synthetics in Portland!

Having a vehicle makes life easier in a lot of ways. You can get to work or school in time, travel everywhere safely, and move around the city comfortably. Yet, owning a car also comes with great responsibility. Being one of your most prized possessions, you must take good care of your car to get the most out of it. So why not get more involved in its preventive maintenance? If you want to save some money on repairs and keep your car in top shape, keep reading to learn which DIY car maintenance tasks you can do at home.

Are you ready to switch to the top synthetic oil in Portland? If so, stop by AMSOIL's website or contact Weaver Synthetics at (503) 244-9394 for advice on which care products are the best choice for your vehicle.

5 Easy DIY Car Maintenance Tasks

Synthetic Oil Levels

One of the best things you can do for your engine is to check its oil levels at least once per month. Doing this is as important as changing your oil frequently. To better understand this, think of how the oil flows through the hottest parts of the engine. When doing so, some of its molecules evaporate, causing oil levels to drop. Other times, a faulty valve gasket or a loose oil drain plug can lead to hidden leaks that keep oil levels low. Regardless of the cause, low oil levels can lead to irreversible engine damage. To avoid this, use the owner's manual for instructions on performing an oil level reading.

Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Your tires play a crucial role in your road safety. To pamper them at home, check their air pressure every few weeks. To that end, you'll need a tire pressure gauge and, in some cases, a new valve cap. If your tires turn out to be underinflated, fill them up using the air hoses available in the gas station. Another quick and easy check is to measure the tires' tread depth. A shallow tread causes tires to lack grip, which equates to unsafe braking and accelerating. Fortunately, checking a tire's tread depth takes a few seconds. All you have to do is place a tread depth gauge in the groove of each tire. That will let you know whether or not it matches the tread depth size specified in the owner's manual.

Keep your vehicle in top running condition by feeding its engine with quality formulas, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil. To buy this and other excellent motor oils, stop by AMSOIL's online shop or call Weaver Synthetics at (503) 244-9394 anytime.

Windshield Wipers Condition

How much attention do you pay to your windshield wipers? Since these devices are not used daily, many owners neglect their maintenance. Yet, wipers must always be in top shape so that you can see the road in case it snows or rains. That said, inspect your wiper blades at least once every six months. When doing so, look for signs of wear, such as cracks or dryness in the blade's rubber. If such signs become visible, replace your wipers with a new set before they become squeaky or harmful to your windshield.

Battery Terminals

Inspecting your battery is vital to keep your car powered all year round. As with all the other DIY car maintenance projects in this post, read your owner's manual's instructions before attempting this check. You can start by inspecting the charging terminals. These connectors should be tight and free of rust, which looks like a white or greenish powder. If necessary, clean the terminals by damping a rag with a concoction of baking soda and warm water. Work the rag around the areas with corrosion and dirt.

Air Filter

As you know, the engine needs oxygen to complete combustion. Hence, it collects air through the air intake system. The problem arises when air carries impurities that shouldn't get inside the engine. That's when the air filter comes into play, trapping dust, animal hair, and tiny bugs, among other things. As you may imagine, the air filter can get clogged over time and use. If the issue gets overlooked, the filter blocked with dirt restricts airflow to the engine, "choking" it and taking a toll on its performance. To avoid such trouble, inspect and clean your filter at least twice a year.

Ensure safer drives by giving your engine the top-performing synthetic oil change in Portland. For advice on what motor oils to use during your car's routine maintenance, call Weaver Synthetics at (503) 244-9394. To explore the entire AMSOIL catalog, stop by the online store anytime.