Tag: owner

Over the years, I (Gabrielle) have been an on-again-off-again car owner. I love the freedom having a car provides — I can run weekend errands quicker, visit my family more often, and get to doctor appointments with greater ease.

Public transportation nationwide remains grossly underfunded, so having a car is essential for many, especially those in rural areas. But with that freedom comes a whole lot of responsibility.

Regardless of my car ownership status, I’ve been consistently intimidated by the time, expertise and sheer cost of taking care of a car. Millions of Americans also know the struggle: according to the latest census data, more than 91% of U.S. households have at least one vehicle.

Chaya Milchtein is the founder and creator of Mechanic Shop Femme, an automotive education company that helps women and LGBTQ+ people feel empowered to purchase and care for their vehicles. Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned pro on the road, Milchtein has some great tips on how to become a more confident car owner and save money along the way.

Maintain your tire pressure, wipers and other basics

The number one reason to maintain your car is to keep it safe to drive. One easy way to keep your car safe? Maintain your tire pressure. (Watch one of Milchtein’s TikTok videos explaining how to check tire pressure below.)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle crashes annually, many of which could be prevented with some basic tire maintenance. “You should be still checking your tire pressure once a month,” Milchtein says, even if you have automatic tire pressure sensors.

Maintaining good tire pressure will also help you get better fuel efficiency, which is an added bonus especially when gas prices are high. Milchtein suggests setting an alarm once a month to check your tire pressure in the morning.

Beyond your tires, here’s a list of basic maintenance you can do on your own that will also keep your car safe, along with videos from Milchtein to help guide you through the process:

• Wiper blades: Change these every six months or so. If you’re not sure which ones you need, most auto parts websites can guide you based on your car’s make and model. Here’s how to replace them at home. 
• Air filters: Check your air filters annually — especially if your car has more than 100,000 miles. Here’s how to quickly replace them. 
• Oil levels: Check your oil monthly if you drive your car regularly and your car has less than 100,000 miles on it – or twice a month if it has more than 100,000 miles on it. “What you’re going to be looking for is changes in the level of the oil. So if the oil level is too low or sometimes if the oil level is too high, that’s something that would need to be addressed. You’re looking