Pepaw has always believed that cheap car maintenance tips, done a little at a time, keep you from paying a whole lot later.
You don’t need to be a mechanic or spend every weekend under the hood. Most of Pepaw’s maintenance tricks are simple habits anyone can do. These routines help keep your car running longer, safer, and more cost-effectively. As he likes to say, “A well-loved car won’t drain your wallet.”
Start With the Basics: Fluids, Filters, and Tire Care
Pepaw checks his fluids the same way he checks his coffee pot: often and before something burns out. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are inexpensive to top off, which can help prevent costly breakdowns. Keeping your oil changed on schedule is the single cheapest way to add miles to your engine’s life.
He also replaces air filters every few months. A dirty filter forces your engine to work harder, wasting gas and putting strain on parts. A clean filter improves fuel efficiency, making every gallon go a little further.
Tires are another big money saver. Proper inflation prevents blowouts, improves gas mileage, and helps your tires last longer. Pepaw checks pressure monthly and rotates his tires every 5,000–7,500 miles. These tiny habits dramatically extend tire life and help you avoid buying new ones too soon.
To protect your budget from surprise expenses, see Pepaw’s Weather-Proof Ways to Save on Your Power Bill.
Do Small Fixes Yourself Before They Become Big Repairs
Pepaw isn’t shy about doing easy repairs himself. Replacing wiper blades, topping off coolant, swapping air filters, and changing out light bulbs are all simple tasks that cost far more when done in a shop. A quick tutorial and a ten-dollar part often save you a hundred-dollar bill.
He also listens carefully to the noises his car makes. A squeak, rumble, or click rarely fixes itself. Catching minor issues early prevents expensive disasters later. Pepaw’s rule: “If it sounds new, look into it.”
He keeps a small car kit with basic tools, a tire gauge, jumper cables, and a portable inflator. These inexpensive items help him avoid emergency service fees and keep minor problems from becoming major headaches.
Check Pepaw’s Guide to Affordable DIY Home Fix-Ups for beginner-friendly repairs.
Buy Gas and Supplies the Smart Way
Pepaw knows where to find the cheapest gas in town, and he isn’t shy about driving a mile or two to save money. He uses loyalty programs, grocery store gas rewards, and station apps to shave a few cents off each fill-up. Over time, those small savings add up to real money.
He also shops around for motor oil, filters, and car-care products. Discount stores and auto parts sales often beat dealership prices by a wide margin. Pepaw buys his supplies in bulk when they’re cheap, especially oil and washer fluid, because he knows he’ll use them all year long.
He always reminds people that good gas habits and smart supply shopping keep car expenses predictable, rather than painful.
To avoid costly impulse upgrades, explore Pepaw’s Rule of Thumb for Big Purchases: “Sleep on It, Sugar.”.
Keep Your Car Clean to Prevent Hidden Damage
Most people think cleaning is just for appearances, but Pepaw knows it protects the car itself. Dirt, salt, pollen, and road grime can erode paint and metal over time. Regular washes prevent rust and keep your car’s body from deteriorating. Waxing twice a year creates an extra layer of protection that helps your vehicle retains its value and last longer.
Inside, Pepaw vacuums, wipes surfaces, and shakes out floor mats to prevent wear and tear. A tidy interior stops crumbs from attracting pests and keeps upholstery from degrading. When the inside stays clean, you don’t feel tempted to trade in early because the car “looks old.”
A little cleaning now saves a lot of cosmetic repairs later.
