How a $10 Fix Helped Me Avoid a $2,000 Car Repair

Car repairs have a way of popping up when you least expect them — and usually when you’re not ready for the bill. But I’ve learned that a little bit of simple maintenance can help me avoid those expensive surprises. 

There are plenty of easy steps you can take to help protect your car — and your wallet — from costly repairs. Some of them cost just a few dollars but can save you thousands down the road. 

The $10 fix that saved my engine 

It’s easy to overlook small warning signs when you’re busy, but ignoring low oil levels can turn into a major headache. When your motor oil runs low, your engine works harder, which can lead to overheating. And if that goes on too long, it can cause serious damage — and leave you with a repair bill that runs into the thousands. 

The good news? Preventing this is simple and affordable. The moment I see my temperature gauge climb or my low oil light turn on, I know it’s time to act. For around $10 (or less), a quart of oil protects my engine and prevents costly repairs. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. 

📑 Tip: Check your owner's manual or use an oil and fluids finder to make sure you’re adding the correct oil for your vehicle. 

Other car maintenance tasks you can handle yourself 

Along with topping off motor oil, I’ve found a few other simple DIY tasks that can help me avoid big repair bills: 

✅ Check and top off other fluid levels (brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid) 

• Average cost: $5 to $30, depending on the fluid type
• Level of difficulty: Easy 

🔍 DIY tip: Watch how-to videos for your specific vehicle’s make, model, and year that demonstrate how to add fluids. Be sure not to fill reservoirs beyond their max fill lines. 

✅ Monitor your tire pressure 

• Average cost: $5 to $10 for a pressure gauge (then it’s free!)
• Level of difficulty: Easy 

📌 DIY tip: Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. Heat from driving can give you a false high reading. Use a reliable gauge and compare it to the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s-side door frame, not the number on the tire itself. 

✅ Change the wiper blades 

• Average cost: $40 to $60
• Level of difficulty: Moderate 

💡DIY tip: When I change my wiper blades, I place a towel or cloth on the windshield first. That way, if the wiper arm snaps back unexpectedly, it won’t crack the glass! 

✅ Clean the battery terminals 

• Average cost: Free
• Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate 

🛠️ DIY tip: Remember to disconnect the negative (-) cable first to avoid sparks or short circuits. After cleaning, a dab of petroleum jelly on the terminals can help prevent future buildup. 

✅ Replace the air filter 

• Average cost: Air filters cost $20 to $75
• Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate 

📸 DIY tip: Before getting started, I like to snap a photo of the air-flow arrow so that I won’t forget which way to properly install the new filter (installing it backward reduces engine efficiency). While the filter’s out, give the airbox a quick vacuum or wipe to keep dust from getting sucked past the fresh filter. 

✅ Spark plug replacement 

Average cost: $15 to $20 

Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

📌 DIY tip: Replace spark plugs one at a time to avoid mixing up the wires or coils. Each one must go back exactly where it came from. Before installing the new plugs, check the gap with a gauge and apply a small dab of anti-seize to the threads if your vehicle’s manual recommends it. 

If I’m not comfortable tackling these jobs myself (or if I don’t have time), I ask my mechanic to check them during my regular oil change or maintenance visit. 

Know the signs before a vehicle breakdown 

Most major car problems don’t happen out of the blue. In my experience, there are usually warning signs that something isn’t right. If I catch them early, I can often avoid a much bigger (and more expensive) repair. 

For example, that weird squeaking sound? It might be a $50 brake pad that needs replacing before it wears down and damages a $300 rotor. 

That strange vibration while driving? It usually means my tire pressure’s low. If I don’t act in time, I could risk a dangerous and costly blowout — and usually all I need is a little air, which is often free! 

When you start to pay attention to your car, you’ll learn to spot these red flags early, giving you time to take care of them before they turn into bigger problems. 

Here are a few signs I never ignore: 

• A hot or burning smell
• Grinding, squeaking, rattling, or other unusual noises
• Dashboard lights coming on or blinking
• Leaking fluid
• Slow acceleration
• Difficulty starting up
• Excessive vibration while driving 

While it seems like a lot to keep track of, it’s worth the effort. Catching these warning signs and addressing them quickly has saved me thousands of dollars in repair bills. 

Partner with a trusted car mechanic 

There’s a lot of DIY maintenance I can handle myself, but at some point, I’ll need a professional for the more complex repairs — or even just a full inspection. 

It’s always a good idea to build a relationship with a reliable mechanic in your area before something goes wrong. Start by asking people you trust — family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors — for recommendations. Personal referrals are often the best way to find a mechanic who’s honest and dependable. 

I also check online reviews on sites like Google, Trustpilot, or even Facebook business pages. Look for consistent feedback about clear communication, transparency, and overall reliability. 

💲Money-saving tip: Consider getting multiple quotes for larger repairs that will cost upward of several hundred dollars. 

Budget for a car fund 

DIY maintenance has helped me save a lot on car repairs, but some trips to the mechanic are just unavoidable. That’s why it’s smart to plan ahead instead of getting caught off guard. 

Try to set aside $10 to $20 a month in a car fund. It might not seem like much, but over time, it adds up — and could become enough to cover minor or mid-level repairs when they pop up. 

Having even a small cushion gives me peace of mind. I know I’m ready when something unexpected happens, and I won’t have to stress about where the money will come from. 

➢RELATED: How to Build Your Emergency Fund

When car costs can’t wait 

Even a modest emergency fund may not always be enough when unexpected car repairs pop up. 

If you’re facing an expensive repair and need extra cash, Advance America may be able to help. You can apply online or in person, get an approval decision in minutes, and even receive same-day funding if you apply in time. 

➢RELATED: How to Get Help Paying for a Car Repair

Car maintenance FAQs 

How often should I get my car checked? 

You should take your car in for an oil change every three months. Ask your mechanic to look for any potential problems and have them tend to any other outstanding issues. 

What are the cheapest car maintenance tasks I can do myself? 

Topping off fluids, checking tire pressure, and replacing your air filter are three of the easiest DIY car maintenance tasks. With a little handyman or mechanical experience, you can also replace your windshield wipers, perform oil changes, and rotate your tires. 

Are small car problems worth fixing right away? 

Small car problems are absolutely worth fixing right away! Repairing problems in their early stages can keep them from turning into significantly more expensive fixes.