If you consider yourself a little handy with your car, there are some car maintenance items you try and handle on your own.

Of course, there are also some things you need to trust a mechanic to get your car fixed the right way. It can be hard to know what maintenance you should perform or what you need to charge a mechanic to handle. Let’s look at some of the different items in each category and understand why you can take some of them and not others.

What is the DIY Items for Your Car?

You Can Easily Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter in your car resides in a box that’s typically easy to reach. This item should be replaced at least once a year to help you have continuous clean airflow into your engine. This is an easy fix and something that you can do at home. Save a little dough and get the job done to replace the air filter in your engine bay.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers; It’s Easy

Most wipers have a simple snap and lock function to replace them. You’re replacing the entire wiper assembly, not just the rubber blade that touches the window. These items unlock from the arm and are easily replaced with a new one. This is one of the car maintenance items that you can do at home. Paying something to replace your wipers will cost you a lot more than it should because you’ll have to pay for the service to put new wipers on your car.

Change Your Spark Plugs; It Won’t Take Too Long

Most people don’t want to spend time under the hood and get into the engine area, but you can change the spark plugs if you feel a little closer to your vehicle. These items come out quickly and are simple to replace. Changing your plugs allows you to have a great car and ensures you can drive the way you want. Find the right tools and switch out the pins when it’s time; it won’t take you long.

Will You Change Your Oil?

Your engine requires oil to keep it from seizing up, becoming contaminated, or becoming a problem. The oil offers the lubrication you need for the moving metal parts inside your engine. You should change this oil every 5,000 miles (more if you have full-synthetic oil) and regularly make sure you have the right amount. Check your oil levels at least once a week and change your oil. This is an easy job. You’ll need to know the unique item where you can dispose of your old oil.

Keep Your Tires in Check

There are two things you need to check on your tires regularly. Ensure the tire pressure is at the right level, and check the tread at least once a month. Doing this will help you have tires that last longer and give you the best fuel mileage possible. Your tires are the only part of your car that touch the road. It’s important to check this part of your car maintenance checklist and change them.

What Car Maintenance Items Should You Go to the Mechanic for?

Don’t Service Your Air Conditioner.

It would help if you didn’t attempt to service your air conditioner unless you are a mechanic. This item requires special equipment and knowledge to service it properly. In older vehicles, certain chemicals are needed to ensure the air can be cooled and sent into the cabin to make you feel more comfortable on a hot day. If you don’t want to service this item yourself, take it to the mechanic.

Let the Mechanic Check Your Airbags

The airbags of cars contain small explosives that allow this safety device to come out at you quickly to protect you from hitting the dashboard and injuring your face and head. If you receive a recall for the airbags in your car, you can’t handle this car maintenance item on your own. Take your vehicle to the dealership and let their mechanic handle changing the airbags to have a safety device that you can trust when you’re behind the wheel.

Your Battery Can be Tricky to Deal With

Even though you can change your car’s battery pretty quickly, if you have a battery issue or think you do, it’s a good idea to let a mechanic test it. Thankfully, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts will test your battery for free and tell you if it’s a good battery or not. Sometimes when the battery doesn’t hold a charge, it’s because the alternator needs to be replaced. This is something you need a mechanic for.

Let a Certified Technician Replace Your Windshield

If you have a cracked windshield, this is not a car maintenance item you should try and tackle on your own. You’ll want to have a certified technician replace your car’s windshield and put a new one in to give you a clear view and an easy way to see what you need when you’re out on the road. Some technicians will come to you in a parking lot or while you’re at work to replace the front glass and give you a new look at the road.

Electric Items Are for Mechanics, Not You

Your car has a ton of confusing and complicated electric switches and fuses, along with some great electronics. Modern vehicles have more computers than ever that can be extremely difficult to diagnose and fix. Let your mechanic handle any electrical problems in your car. This is an essential part of ensuring your vehicle will continue to work the right way. Take your vehicle to the shop and let your professional get to work to fix your car.

There are some car maintenance items that you can handle and other items you need to trust with a certified mechanic. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of money in the long run.