Not everyone’s a car person, and that’s totally fine. But there are a few easy habits anyone can pick up to keep their vehicle running smooth and safe, without needing a mechanic’s know-how. In a popular video from @dadadvicefrombo on TikTok, he lays out a solid checklist of things anyone can do, even if you’re not good with cars.
The truth is, staying on top of a few small maintenance tasks can save you big headaches (and bills) down the road. Whether you drive a 15-year-old beater or a brand-new SUV, these simple checks help keep your car dependable and road-ready.
Keep an Eye on Your Fluids and Filters
Your engine oil is your car’s lifeblood. It keeps everything running smoothly and prevents overheating. Changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is still a good rule of thumb, especially if you drive an older car or do a lot of stop-and-go driving. A handy trick: reset your trip meter after each oil change so you don’t lose track.
Before long trips, pop the hood and check the dipstick to make sure your oil isn’t low or dirty. While you’re in there, take a quick look at your coolant and windshield washer fluid too. Topping off these fluids takes just a few minutes and can keep your engine from overheating, or your windshield from turning into a bug-covered mess.
And don’t forget your engine air filter. Changing it two to three times a year can improve fuel economy and engine performance. If it looks dark or clogged, it’s time for a new one.
@dadadvicefrombo I can make videos on each of these things, but an easy way to learn is to take your car to your local NAPA Auto Parts and have them walk you through each one of these. All of my kids learned to utilitize NAPA and I promise, they want to help you even if it’s your first time taking care of your car. Love, Dad #teamNAPA #NAPApartner ♬ original sound – DadAdviceFromBo
Prevent Surprises with Quick Visual Checks
You don’t need a mechanic’s tools to spot early signs of trouble. One smart tip from the video: slide a piece of cardboard under your engine while it’s running. If you see fresh drops of oil or other fluids, you may have a leak that needs checking.
Also, open your hood every so often and look at your battery terminals. If they’re crusty with white or blue gunk, that’s corrosion. A quick clean with baking soda and water can fix it and help avoid slow starts or electrical hiccups.
Keep Your Tires in Shape
Tires are one of your car’s most important safety features, and often the most neglected. Before any road trip, use a simple pressure gauge to check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires wear faster, hurt fuel economy, and can even blow out at highway speeds.
Also, make sure you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to even out the wear. And don’t forget to check tread depth — a worn-out tire won’t grip well, especially in rain. An easy test: stick a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
One Last Word from the Garage
You don’t need to be a gearhead to take care of your car. A few simple habits — checking your fluids, keeping an eye on tire pressure, cleaning corrosion off your battery — go a long way in keeping things running smoothly. These aren’t just maintenance chores; they’re peace-of-mind boosters.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. It’s basic, quick, and easy, but skip it long enough, and you’re in for an expensive visit. Same goes for your car. So even if you’re not into cars, doing these small things regularly means fewer surprises, safer drives, and a longer life for the vehicle you count on every day.
And the best part? Most of these checks take under five minutes. You don’t need a toolbox, just a little curiosity and the willingness to pop the hood once in a while.