DIY Service

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DIY Oil Change
DIY Wiper Replacement

DIY Maintenance and Service for Your Vehicle

With very few skills, tools, and just a little know-how, most vehicle owners can complete the most important maintenance tasks and services for their vehicles. At Thomas Chevrolet, Inc., we support owners who want to do their own maintenance tasks by providing genuine GM parts and accessories in our Parts Center. Get what you need and keep your car in great shape by learning some easy DIY maintenance and service you can accomplish on your own, which will save you time and money.

How to Change the Oil in Your Vehicle Step-By-Step

Learning to change the oil in your vehicle is a valuable skill and can bring a lot of satisfaction. Oil changes are the most important maintenance tasks for all vehicles that run off gas. With just a few tools, you can complete an oil change in four easy steps:

Step 1. Lift Your Vehicle

  • Use a hoist, jack stand, or ramp to lift your vehicle
  • Place a wheel block behind the wheels to secure it in place

Step 2. Drain the Oil

  • Remove the oil cap from the reservoir tank under the hood
  • Place the pan or bucket under the drain plug and oil filter (about two feet from the front of the vehicle)
  • Get underneath the vehicle and remove the undertray (if present) with the screwdriver or wrench
  • Loosen the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely

Step 3. Install a New Oil Filter

  • Using the filter wrench, slowly loosen and wait for oil to stop leaking out from the top before removing the oil filter
  • Ensure to remove the old gasket
  • Swipe some new oil onto the new gasket and screw in the new oil filter

Step 4. Refill with New Oil

  • Carefully pour new oil into the reservoir tank under the hood
  • Allow the oil to settle and check the levels by using the dipstick
  • Once the oil is to the right level, start the engine and let the new oil circulate
  • Recheck the oil level with the dipstick after shutting off the engine
  • Reset the oil check indicator light if needed

Choosing Engine Oil for Your Chevy

Every vehicle has a recommended engine oil formulation rated for optimum performance depending on the engine type, driving habits, and conditions. Choosing the right engine oil is important to maintain the engine life and ensure protection against excessive wear and tear. The old standard was to change the oil every 3,000 miles. However, newer Chevy models and synthetic oils allow you to go much longer between oil changes. If you choose the engine oil listed in the owner's manual, you can go between 7,000 and 10,000 miles between oil changes in most Chevrolet vehicles. There are several types of engine oil suitable for most uses:

  • Conventional: The most affordable option, conventional oil works well for vehicles with simple engine designs and older models.
  • Synthetic: A specially engineered oil suitable for all vehicles - the even molecules withstand breakdown, buildup, and impurities for ideal performance and lasts much longer than conventional oil.
  • Synthetic Blend: More affordable than pure synthetic oil, this mix has the lasting qualities of synthetic oil and resists rust or corrosion buildup.
  • High Mileage: Helps reduce oil leaks and burn-off commonly experienced in older vehicles or new ones with more than 75,000 miles on the odometer.

DYI Windshield Wiper Blade Replacements


Changing the windshield wiper is a simple maintenance task you can do independently with zero tools. You can purchase new blades from our Parts Center, where our team can help you choose the right sizes. We keep most sizes in stock so you can get what you need immediately. The choices can feel overwhelming if you are shopping for after-market windshield wiper blades. There are many different types and styles suitable for your vehicle and even special blades for winter weather or other extreme conditions to ensure great visibility no matter how or when you drive.

How to Choose the Right Type of Wiper Blades

While choosing the right size is critical, drivers should also consider the right blade type for their driving needs. There are several wiper blade designs on the market to provide the best visibility in changing weather conditions:

  • Conventional: Durable and long-lasting, traditional blades have a squeegee-like blade with a large frame to provide tension onto the windshield.
  • Beam: A newer design with a slim profile and the standard for newer vehicles - it hugs the glass and has a wider swath.
  • Hybrid: A unique aerodynamic design that provides durability in all types of weather.
  • Winter Wipers: A hybrid blade with special rubber reinforcement to handle winter weather and icy buildup.

Changing the Windshield Wiper Blades


Changing Wiper Blades Step-by-Step

  1. Find the correct wiper blade sizes by measuring or checking the owner's manual
  2. Lift the wiper arm off the windshield
  3. Release the locking button or clip to undo the latch. There are three basic types of wiper blade installation mechanisms: hook-mount, clip-on, or pin-mount
  4. Carefully angle the wiper down and slide it off the arm
  5. Place the new wiper blade onto the mount and lock the mechanism into place
  6. Lower the wiper arm onto the windshield glass

Additional Super Simple Vehicle Maintenance Tasks

You can do many important maintenance tasks with no training or a full-fledged mechanic's garage. Most tasks require little or no tools to keep your vehicle in great shape:

  • Check the car battery and clean corrosion using a common wire brush
  • Change the engine air filter - This is probably the most complicated task on this list, but it requires no tools to access the engine air filter compartment. Find the location in the owner's manual and replace it with a new filter if it appears gray or black.
  • Wash your vehicle and touch up blemishes - You can purchase paint pens that perfectly match your Chevy's finish in our Parts Center
  • Refill fluids, like the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid
  • Refill the tires at a local gas station air pump to maintain the correct pressure.

You can order all your parts and accessories from the Parts Center at Thomas Chevrolet and check off all your easy DIY maintenance tasks at your convenience.

  1. Thomas Bedford Chevrolet

    4004 Business 220
    Bedford, PA 15522

    • Sales: (814) 682-3017
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: (814) 682-3017
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