Taking your car to the dealership for routine maintenance can get expensive surprisingly quickly. AAA's 2026 research estimates that owning and operating a new vehicle costs American drivers an average of $12,863 annually, including maintenance and other ownership expenses. While professional mechanics are essential for complicated repairs, many everyday maintenance tasks require only basic tools and a little patience. Learning which jobs you can safely handle yourself could save money throughout the year.

You probably remember the family car, the road trips, and Dad refusing to stop for directions. But what about the name above the gas pumps? These brands served American drivers during the 1960s. But do any of them ring a bell? Do you remember at least 5 of them?