How One Woman Can Change An Air Filter and A Summer Driving Vehicle Checklist

Ladies…today we are going to discuss vehicle maintenance. Now wait, before you run away, just bear with me for a moment. While I appreciate that hubby is a mechanic…and a darn good one at that, I like to know that should he be away for any reason, I can take care of a few routine things on my own. I also want my daughter to grow up being able to do the same and I’m here to tell you, not only will you feel accomplished, you’ll save money when you do some of this stuff yourself. With spring in full force and summer peeking around the corner, there are a few things you should check out on your rig before taking off on the first big family road trip of the season.

Summer Vehicle Safety Checklist

• Tires: Are they properly inflated? Do they have good tread or do they need to be rotated? Making sure the rubber on the ground is in good shape will help reduce the possibility of getting a flat or having a blowout which can cause not only delays and be a big hassle; but can also cause accidents.

• Air Conditioning: Does it work? This may not be as related to safety as it is to comfort during a hot summer road trip with the family packed into the car. Maybe with some pets? You’ll definitely want to be sure that AC is in tip top shape.

• Fluid Levels: Transmission Fluid, Coolant? Is your wiper fluid topped off? You don’t want to run into a storm or maybe a big patch of bugs somewhere and not be able to get that yuck off the windshield. That can make it hard to see and what happens when you can’t see? Accidents. What about oil? Is it full? Dirty? Any leaks? Does it need to be changed? Keep on top of that – your engine will thank you.

• Filters: Do you need a new oil filter? What about an air filter? A clean engine air filter helps your vehicles’s engine run more efficiently and helps keep other components working correctly by keeping dirt and debris out of your engine. Air filters are really the engine’s first line of defense and, a clean air filter can increase acceleration, horsepower, and improve overall engine performance. Keeping a clean air filter helps your car live a longer life and it’s super easy to maintain.If yours looks like it’s seen better days, fret not and believe me when I say that if you have five minutes and a screwdriver, you too can be successful in accomplishing this bit of necessary routine maintenance.

First things first, you need to run over to the automotive department at your local Walmart and pick up the FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter that was designed for your vehicle. It’s super easy to figure out using the online parts lookup or you can use the part number books they have available in-store. All you need to know it the year, make, model, and which engine your car has. (*Tip: If there are multiple engine sizes available for your vehicle, pop the hood and there should be a little sticker underneath that will give you all of those specs.)

Once you’ve scooped up the correct air filter, just make sure you have a Phillips head screwdriver (the one that looks like a star), and you’re ready to get to work.

How To Change An Air Filter

Step 1: Pop the hood and find the location of the air filter. It should be in a covered compartment. Remove the screws that are holding the top on the compartment (should be 4-6).

Step 2: Remove old air filter. Make funny faces and “ewwww” about how dirty that thing is.

Step 3: Take your brand new FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter out of the box and pop it in the compartment.

Step 4: One it’s securely in place put the top back on the compartment and put screws back in making sure they’re tight.

Step 5: Finally…well, actually that’s all. There’s no step 5 or 10 or 15. You’re done and you little lady, have successfully changed the air filter on your family’s carriage. In fact, I think  we’ll make step five bragging to hubby and anyone else you run into about how mechanically inclined your are.

Are you ready to take your vehicle maintenance into your own hands? Give the online parts finder for FRAM at Walmart a try and let me know what you think! How involved are you in your family vehicle’s maintenance? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!