10 Things To Always Buy at an Auto Parts Store. Save Money and Installation Is Free!

Just the thought of going to a auto parts store gives me a headache. Jam-packed aisles full of unfamiliar things with mystical descriptions that don’t really make sense without explanation. That’s the bad. 

Or, parts that need extra tools and a semester of auto repair class to understand the issue, if it really is the issue; diagnosis can often equal trouble shooting and it can get expensive and frustrating. That’s the ugly. 

But then there’s the good: The people who work at auto parts stores like AutoZone (usually) love the art and craft of car repair. They know their merchandise, what it’s for and how it works. They can recommend the right product for your needs and they can figure out how to do a simple installation on almost any car. 

That’s why I’m the first to head to the auto parts store for replacement parts, simple updates and fixes for my car. These are the items that your local auto parts store can offer advice on or install easily and typically for free.

Read: 11 Common Car Maintenance Questions: Mechanic, Parts Store or DIY?

You’ll hear it when it’s time to get a new battery: the engine is slow to crank, or may not turn over at all. After jumping the car and realizing there’s nothing wrong but an old battery, head to the auto parts store for a replacement. The cost is about $200 and stores like Pep Boys are usually happy install it for free. 

While you’re there, you can pick up a set of jumper cables and get a quick lesson in how to use them so you can help someone else with a dead battery.

Read: 7 Things You Should Always Buy From a Car Dealer

Windshield wipers should be replaced once or twice a year depending on wear. When they start to fray, leave large streaks on the windshield or make a loud scraping sound, it’s time to replace them. 

Windshield wipers are inexpensive and can be easy to install yourself, but ask the nice folks at auto parts stores such as Advance Auto Parts and you’ll know it’s done right.

Read: Never Buy These Things From a Car Dealer—Or Pay For Them in a Car Purchase

These can be among the easiest to swap out for someone who knows what they are doing. Buy the bulb—often only a few dollars— and let the auto parts store employee do the rest. 

There is one caveat though: When you provide the make, model and year of your car, the auto parts store employee may recommend you go to the dealership, Not all headlights are simple swaps and some need to be done by a mechanic or dealer due to complicated housings or lights that are buried behind other equipment.

Need expert help diagnosing an issue with your car? Call the Car Genius help line at (877) 323-1708. You can also go to Repair Pal to find an authorized auto service center.

Read More: 9 Auto Repair Questions to Ask Our Mechanic — It’s Free!

The engine filter cleans the air that your engine uses for burning fuel and needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. Typically, it’s replaced when you have other service done such as an oil change. But it may be worth replacing it on your own, especially after driving through smoky or dusty conditions, or if there’s a lot of debris on the ground or in the air. 

A clogged air filter can also lower your fuel economy, contribute to black smoke from your tailpipe and trigger the check engine or service light on your dashboard. 

Experts recommend changing the cabin air filter once every year or two, but if you’re one of those people toting around sweaty teens with smelly sports gear, once every few months may be in order— especially for one infused with Febreze. Cabin air filters can also become clogged with leaves, dust and other debris floating around in the air, especially during certain times of the year.

This is an easy swap; the filter is usually located behind the glove box, and while replacing it isn’t always offered as a free service at auto parts stores, it’s worth asking if they’ll do it. They may be willing to teach you how to do it yourself.

Cars can burn or lose oil for seemingly no reason, especially older cars, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your oil level. Low oil can cause your car to overheat and trigger dashboard warning lights. 

If you’re unsure and don’t know where to start, ask the person at your auto parts store to show you how to check your oil. If you need to add a quart or two, they will sell you the oil and a funnel and show you how to add it. Or, they will add it for you. 

Letting the oil in your car run dry will ruin your engine. And if you are constantly adding oil, have your car checked out by a mechanic; clearly there is something wrong.

Another critical fluid, engine coolant does just that: keeps your engine cool with a mixture of antifreeze and water; antifreeze is necessary for extremely cold weather and water is important in hot weather. 

You can tell if coolant is low by looking at the markings on the coolant reservoir, if your car’s water gauge shows it’s heating up or if a dashboard warning light is triggered. 

This is a good thing to check with the change of seasons—in the spring and fall. Washer fluid is a regularly used item and is easy to check and add the appropriate amount if needed. 

People who live in areas with severe winter weather should look for washer fluid with anti-freeze for the cold months, and anti-streak fluid is recommended for everyone. 

I love getting my cleaning supplies from the auto parts store. First, they have the most complete selection; they have lots of brands to choose fro and a nice variety of prices. They can recommend products for specific uses, such as removing coffee stains from the headliner—true story and no, no one in the family would fess up to the stain. 

While there isn’t an “installation” option, you might get a helpful associate to show you the proper application or process in addition to advice.

These are two important things to have for your car: Keep the tire gauge in your glove box and the air compressor either in the trunk or in your garage. If your tires look low, get out the gauge and measure your tire’s air pressure; the proper pressure should be listed on a sticker on the car’s driver’s side door jamb. 

If your tires regularly need more air, which can happen in places with dramatic temperature swings—as I discovered when I moved to Texas—invest in an air compressor. These small gadgets cost as little as $30 and will be worth the expense; filling your tires at a gas station can cost $3 per fill up and free air, once plentiful, is no longer easy to find. 

Once you purchase a compressor, the helpful person at the auto parts store can show you how to use it to fill your tires. Isn’t that a lovely way to keep your car running smoothly without running up a bill?