Unfortunately, owning a car can be pretty pricey. Having insurance, filling it with gas and keeping it in great shape throughout the year all come with an expense and sometimes, the rates aren't exactly reasonable. Although some car maintenance needs the craft and skill of a car mechanic, there are actually quite a few ways to keep your car maintained on your own. Giving your vehicle routine maintenance checks is extremely important, but it shouldn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Here are five easy car maintenance services you can handle on your own.

1. Checking the tire pressure
Edmunds said this maintenance routine is usually combined with another service at the mechanic's, but the task alone can cost an estimated $22-$30. You can save yourself 100 percent of that money by taking your car to a gas station and filling your own tires, where air is usually free of charge or only costs a few cents. You only have to worry about checking your tire pressure once a month and it takes about 15 minutes.

2. Replacing the windshield wipers
If you've ever taken your car to the shop and they've offered to put in new windshield wipers with no installation fee, it probably came with the catch of only having one option for wipers – that being the very expensive one. According to Money Crashers, this maintenance service can cost between $10 and $20 if you do it yourself. The set up can vary between different cars, so make sure to follow your owner's manual. Replacing your windshield wipers can be as easy as lifting the old blades, pushing the removal tab and attaching the new blades to the metal arms.

Replacing your own windshield wipers can be a simple, inexpensive task.

3. Replacing your bulbs and fuses
Depending on the make and model of your car, Edmunds said this maintenance service can cost anywhere between $17 and $132 if you go to a mechanic. Save yourself the trouble of stressing out over this high-cost task and head to the nearest automotive parts store and buy them for a fraction of the cost. All you'll need is 30 minutes of your time and a screw driver. Read the electrical chart in your owner's manual to find the correct fuse you're replacing.

4. Changing the air filter
Don't waste your precious hours waiting around at the mechanics to get your air filter replaced. U.S. News said changing the air filter in your car will only cost you about $15 and 10 minutes of your time. Simply pop open the hood and locate the air filter. When removing the old one, make sure nothing fall into the bottom of the filter box. Insert the new filter, close the case, secure the nuts and you'll be all set.

5. Checking the battery connection
You may not think about this maintenance service very often, but making sure your battery connection is operating properly is extremely crucial, especially with the winter months approaching. There's no need to schedule an appointment with a mechanic only to be waiting an hour for him to make sure your battery is maintained. U.S. News said If you do it yourself, it will only cost $5 dollars and will take about 20 minutes to complete. Start by removing the negative cables of your battery first, followed by the positive cables. Next, clean the posts and battery terminals using a $5 wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse the cleaning fluid with water, dry with a rag and re-install the battery terminals by starting with the positive cables.

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Driving through the harsh conditions of the winter can be hazardous and intimidating, especially when there's snow and ice involved. Unfortunately, the treacherous weather can lead to unstable driving, which can put you into a snow bank. Though you may not be able to stop the blizzards from taking over the roads of the cold months, there are still ways to prepare yourself and ensure a safe and stable drive. Strengthen the safety for you and your passengers this winter with some of these helpful driving safety tips.

Give your car a maintenance check
Though you may not feel like spending the money, it's always crucial to give your car a check-up before the first big blizzard rolls in. Car Talk suggested getting your bad hoses, belts, water pumps and spark plug wires replaced before it's too late. Also, make sure your battery, charging system and tire pressure are all in great condition. The source said tire pressure can drop by one pound per ten degrees in temperature, so making sure the pressure is adequate can help your car's handling on the slick roads. Standing roadside for a tow truck during a winter storm doesn't exactly sound like much fun, so spend your money wisely and get the dirty work taken care of early.

Get enough rest before your drive
This rule goes for all driving, but it's especially important to be well-rested before driving in the snow. The American Automobile Association Exchange said to avoid driving while you're fatigued to reduce driving risks in bad weather. Traveling in severe weather takes lots of concentration and patience, so it's important to be of a clear, straight mind while driving. Make sure you get a full night's sleep if you're aware of a blizzard happening during your next commute.

Always prepare yourself for your commute if you know the roads will be slick.

Allow enough time for your commute
Driving through a blizzard isn't nearly as simple as driving on a clear, sunny day. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggested planning your route to prepare yourself for your commute during a winter storm. Check the weather in advance to figure out the best time for travel and map out the direction you will be headed. If there is an alternate route that seems safer than your usual one, consider taking the clearer course. Be sure to let others know the route you decided to take and your expected time of arrival to ensure your safety.

Drive slowly and stop as little as you can when possible
When it's time to hit the road, driving slow is important when the roads are slick. AAA said applying the gas slowly when accelerating is the best way to gain traction and avoid skidding on ice. Take your time, because everything takes longer for everyone on the snow-covered roads. This includes all aspects of driving: accelerating, stopping and turning.

When it comes to stopping, avoid it if possible – but certainly not at stop signs or stop lights. The amount of inertia it takes to start moving after stopping can play a big role in how smooth your drive can be, so roll through the traffic patterns as much as you can.

Always keep a full gas tank – or close to one 
Running out of gas during a winter storm can be a huge issue. Not only will it leave you stranded, but it also takes away your source of heat. It's crucial to keep your gas tank as close to full as possible during winter storms to avoid running out of gas. Play it safe this winter and keep an extra gas can in your truck in case of an emergency. Nobody wants to stand roadside waiting for a tow-truck on a harsh, cold winter night. 

Consider keeping a bag of sand in your trunk
If you have a rear wheel drive vehicle, you may want to consider putting a bag of sand in your car behind the rear axle. The weight of the sand bag can help increase the traction of your rear tires, which can be helpful when driving on extremely harsh and snowy roads. Car Talk said the rear axle is located toward the front of the trunk, right between the two rear wheels. 

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With the cold, bitter months of winter quickly approaching, blizzards will soon be ruling the forecast. That being said, it's time to get your car ready for the slick, snow-covered roads. You may have prepped your vehicle with maintenance checks and oil changes, but have you considered investing in winter tires? Though you may not have thought about buying these winter-driving life savers, they may be worth spending your extra holiday cash on. Winter tires may take a penny or two out of your holiday budget, but they could really save you in the long run. 

Here are a few reasons why you should invest in winter tires this year.

1. They're designed for both icy roads and cold climates
Even if you don't normally experience bad snow storms during the months of winter; it is still smart to equip your car with winter tires. According to Autoblog, these tires do not only have exponential tread pattern designed specifically for extra traction on ice and snow, but they are also designed with a softer rubber to enhance the grip on colder roads. That is why it's important to put on your winter tires even before the first snowfall, because the cold climate has an effect on your driving, too. A good rule of thumb is to change the tires as soon as the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there consistently. Any warmer and your tires will wear out quicker.

2. They help maximize your ride if you have all wheel drive
It's common to assume that if you have 4-wheel or front-wheel drive that you will be safe enough for the winter. Unfortunately, that is not enough while driving in harsh road conditions. The Car Crash Detective said that all wheel drive is helpful when you need to get out of a situation where you may be stuck, but it doesn't help you with stopping or steering. Because of the intense traction in winter tires, your ride along slick and snowy roads can be much safer if you need to stop quickly. While all-wheel drive can help you maneuver out of a snow bank, the winter tires will help you stabilize your drive once you're back on the road.

Winter tires have maximized traction to help keep you stable on the roads.

3. They keep you on the roads, driving the speed limit
Some people may think they don't need winter tires as long as they stay off of the roads during the harsh blizzards. In a perfect world, you'd be able to stay home any time the snow rolls in. Unfortunately, that's not the case. You still have to go to work, the grocery store and to pick up the kids from school while it's snowing outside, so avoiding the snowy roads at all times isn't always possible.

On the other hand, some may say they can get away with not investing in snow tires by simply driving slow on the roads. The Car Crash Detective said there are many road conditions that are just beyond the skill of the driver who doesn't believe he or she needs snow tires. Driving under the speed limit can cause more harm than good, unfortunately. By investing in snow tires, the heavy traction can help you drive the speed limit on the road no matter how slick they may be.

4. They can last long if you take care of them
While investing in winter tires may seem like an extreme investment, they can be worth it in the long run. The only catch: You need to take great care of them. What you get out of these bad boys will be exactly what you put into them. For example, if you leave them on year round, the warmth and UV exposure of the summer months will age your tires. Automobile magazine suggested storing your winter tires properly to maximize the uses you get out of them. This means locking them indoors away from light and heat. This can ensure you'll get at least a few seasons out of them.

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Let’s be honest: Nobody likes pumping hard-earned cash into their gas tank. Unfortunately, avoiding the gas pump isn’t exactly an option. Although you may not be able to save yourself from ridiculous gas prices, there are many ways to make your fuel last. The way you drive and take care of your car has a big effect on the amount of fuel you use, according to the U.S. Union of Concerned Scientists.

Keep yourself from pouring all of your money into your gas tank this month by following these easy tips for maximizing your ride’s fuel economy.

1. Give your car some TLC
The UCS said cars consume less fuel and run best when they are maintained well. This means getting regular oil and filter changes, spark plug replacements and tire rotations. By taking good care of your car, you can prevent future damage and also improve the fuel economy. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to figure out when each maintenance appointment should take place.

2. Drive the speed limit
Slow down – save the fast driving for the race car drivers. The Consumer Energy Center of the California Energy Commission said all vehicles lose fuel economy when driven at speeds above 55 miles per hour. As for highway driving, going 65 mph instead of 75 mph reduces fuel cost by 13 percent. Avoid driving aggressively to save fuel in both the city and on the highway by driving the speed limit.

Drive the speed limit at all times to avoid burning gas too quickly.

3. Take advice from your smartphone
For drivers with an iPhone, Forbes magazine recommended using the Maps App to check traffic before leaving the house. By doing this, you can plan an alternate route and avoid wasting gas from idling during your commute. Also consider using a smartphone app that finds the cheapest gas in your area, such as GasBuddy. Not only will this save you money at the pump, but it will also keep you from wasting your time trying to find the best gas prices in your area.

4. Avoid idling for more than a minute
Unfortunately, your engine uses a little bit of gasoline at its initial start-up. According to the UCS, letting your engine idle for more than a minute can burn more gas than turning off your engine and restarting it. Avoid idling by checking traffic in advance, or considering purchasing a car with “stop-start” technology that automatically turns off the engine when you brake.

5. Carpool when you can
If you have a friend whose business is close to your office, consider carpooling with them to get to work. The Consumer Energy Center said sharing a ride to work with friends is an effective way to double your fuel economy. Alternate every other week for driving with your pals to save the both of you money on gas.

6. Park in the shade
The UCS recommended parking in the shade during the summer. Not only does this keep your car cooler during warm temperatures but it also minimizes fuel evaporation. Park in a garage or under an awning during the summer if possible. This is an easy way to save you money at the gas pump.

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With the season of winter quickly approaching, it's time to prepare for the change in weather that everyone's been waiting for – snow. Whether you love or hate the cold stuff that falls from the sky and immediately accumulates on the ground, your car has never been a fan. In order to make sure your car functions properly throughout the harsh, frigid months of winter, it's important to give it some TLC before the snow rolls in. Here are a few simple ways to prepare your car for winter and ensure a safe and easy commute for you and your passengers.

Pack an emergency kit
For starters, you should always have an emergency kit in your car. If you don't already, make sure to get one before the first big winter blizzard. Unfortunately, you never know what could happen during a snow storm, so it's important to take immediate safety precautions before winter arrives.

Besides having a spare tire and the tools to change it out ready, The Department of Motor Vehicles suggested packing this list of things in your car:

• Snow brush and ice scraper
• Blankets and gloves
• An extra pair of boots
• A radio
• Engine oil
• Windshield washer fluid
• Coolant
• Flares
• A flash light.

Make sure to put a snow brush and ice scraper in your car before the first snow.

Test the battery and charging system
According to Autoblog, the cold weather can be extremely detrimental to your car's battery and electrical system. Simply test your battery by turning on the headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that the lights are brighter after starting the engine, Autoblog recommended taking your car to a mechanic for a thorough test.

Check your heaters, defrosters and wipers
The Car Care Council suggested checking your heaters, defrosters and wipers to make sure they are in proper working condition for safe driving vision. Consider using cold weather washer fluid and replacing your windshield wipers to ensure maximum safety while driving through harsh blizzards.

Check your car's coolant
Some might think you don't need to worry about your car's cooling system until the summer, but that's just not the case. Autoblog said if your car's coolant is not mixed properly, the chance of it freezing is higher, which can lead to severely damaging your engine or radiator. Though it's best to check your car's manual, it's typically recommended to have a 50/50 mixture of water and anti-freeze for year-round driving.

Check your breaks
The Car Care Council said the braking system is the most important safety item in your vehicle. It's extremely important to get your breaks inspected before the winter season. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence recommends getting your brakes checked periodically to prevent further damage and repairs that might come from neglect. By examining your brake system, you can reduce the chance of accidents from happening and ensure a secure drive for you and your passengers.

Examine your tires, replace them if necessary
ASE recommends checking your tires for remaining tread line, uneven wearing as well as cuts and nicks. Worn tires can be extremely dangerous in winter weather, so it's critical to keep them in tip-top shape. Be sure to check your tire pressure once a month and rotate as often as your car's manual recommends. Poorly aligned wheels make your engine work harder, which causes your car to use more gasoline than necessary. Consider taking your car to the mechanic for new tires or a rotation to make sure they are ready for the slippery roads.

We get it: Life can be hard sometimes. Despite your best intentions, you may end up with a bit of debt here, some unpaid credit cards over there, and before you know it, your credit score has plummeted.

While this isn't an ideal situation to be in, it's also not the economic death sentence you might think it is. A low credit score can affect you, but it doesn't have to limit your purchasing power, especially when it comes to buying a car. If you're currently sporting a sub-prime credit score – a score below 640 – here are six things you can do to help dig yourself out of that debt cycle.

1. Pay your bills
It may seem like a no-brainer, but paying down your credit card bills on time is perhaps the most effective way to revive your credit score. What's more, not paying your bills – or paying them late – can wreak absolute havoc on your credit score, perhaps faster than any other factor.

Of course, paying your bills on time is often easier said than done. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that you're paying on time. Many companies can send you email or text message alerts when a bill is due. If you still don't trust yourself to make timely payments, you may need to set up an automatic payment on a set date every month.

2. Reduce the amount you owe
Owing a lot of money to creditors also negatively impacts your credit score. The more outstanding debt you have, the larger the effect on your credit score. This is true for debt use as well – a term indicating how much of your available credit you're using. NerdWallet noted that you should try and keep this below 30 percent for the most optimal effect on your credit score.

Having multiple credit cards open at once can drop your credit score.

3. Don't take out more credit cards
If you find yourself swimming in debt, you may be tempted to take out another credit card to help ease the burden in the short term. Resist this urge. For starters, the number of active credit accounts you have open impacts your credit score, so you aren't doing yourself any favors by taking on a new financial responsibility. More importantly, opening a new credit account to pay down an existing card will just put you on the fast track to a debt cycle. Instead of paying off debt that you owe, you're just shuffling it from one account to another, and maybe accumulating more along the way.

4. Don't raise your credit limit
Whether you're short on cash for the month or are worried about your credit usage rate, raising your credit limit is an option many people consider. It may help by giving you immediate access to additional funds, but it's also not great for your credit score. Asking to raise your credit limit flags you as a debt risk, which may reflect on your credit report.

5. Consolidate balances
Go through your wallet and take a look at all the credit cards in there. Do you know what the balance is on each of them? You may think that putting $20 on this card and $50 on that card can help by keeping your respective credit usage rates low, but this isn't the case. In fact, your credit score takes into account how many accounts you have that are carrying balances. It's better to pay down the nickel-and-dime amounts on your cards and keep your credit spending to just one.

6. Develop a history of "good debt"
It's not that creditors want you to have no debt to your name, they just want to make sure that you're capable of paying it back. Having outstanding debt on your credit report can actually be a good thing if you can demonstrate that you consistently make your payments on time. In fact, if you're worried about your poor credit score hampering your ability to buy a car, don't fret. You can likely still get financed for a loan with poor credit, and making regular, on-time payments toward your car will do quite a bit to bring your score back up.

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