This is a guest post.

Learning how to do some easy DIY car maintenance tips will not only save you money, but also give your car a longer lifespan.  Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re mechanically inclined; these easy tips are not too difficult and well worth the time and effort.

1. Change your car’s oil.

Changing your car’s oil may sound dirty and a bit difficult, but with the right tools and some patience, it is a pretty simple task.  The general consensus on changing oil is about every 3,000 miles or every six months.  Changing a vehicle’s oil helps the engine to perform at optimum levels, thus extending the life of your vehicle.  A good idea is to ask your friends or family who know how to change oil and ask them to show and teach you how to do it.

2. Change your car’s air filter.

You can also change your car’s air filter to keep your car running at an optimal level.  A clean air filter will assure that your car will accelerate properly.  The recommended time frame to change air filters is every 12,000 miles, or once a year.

It does not take long to change an air filter. Simply go to your local auto parts store and they can assist you with purchasing the correct filter for your vehicle.  You will need a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the nuts on the filter housing as well. Simply unscrew the nuts, take old filter out, and put the new filter in.  It’s that simple.

3. Replace your own headlights.

Have you ever had a headlight go out and think, “Oh, I don’t want to have to take the car into the shop for this”?  I have some good news for you: You don’t have to ever again because replacing your own headlights is quite simple.

Head to you local auto shop and tell them the make and model of your car. They will be able to help you pick out the correct replacement bulb.  Once you’re back home, open the hood of your car and find the back of the headlight.  There will be 3 wires leading out of the plug with some sort of fastener keeping them attached.  Unlatch these and pull the plug from its socket.  Replace with the new bulb, re-secure it, and you’re good to go!

4. Check and refill the fluids in your car regularly.

If you check your cars fluids regularly and add as needed, your car will perform much more efficiently.  The fluids that you can regularly check and refill include battery fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant fluid. You can always purchase these fluids and keep in your garage or trunk for when you need them.

5. Clean your air vents regularly.

You may think that your vents wouldn’t get clogged due to the wind rushing through them while driving at high speeds, but sometimes leaves and other debris can build up, and if left clogged, it can cause problems.

If your vents are clogged, it makes your AC work harder and overworks the fan.  This is simple to take care of.  All you have to do is open your hood and look at the main vents.  If you see any leaves, twigs, or any other debris, simply remove them and you’ll be able to rest assured that your vents will be able to perform their job effectively.

Dominique Rodriguez is a contributing writer at CreditDonkey.  She writes about roadside assistance credit cards and how to evaluate the options.