The Ultimate Guide To 19 DIY Car Maintenance Tips

Your car can be your best friend, especially if you take care of it constantly. And the good part is that you don’t need to go to a service to do that. You can provide the right maintenance for your car by applying these simple 19 DIY tips at home. Everything from replacing the air filter, wiper blades or spark plugs to change a car fuse can be done in your garage or parking lot. All you need is a little information and the desire to do it. So, let’s see the best DIY tips that will help you maintain your car like new for a longer time!

1. Replacing the Air Filter

Replacing the Air Filter

• Required Tools: None
• Time to Complete: 10 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $10

How to Do:

The good news is that you need no special tools to replace your car’s air filter. It is an easy procedure that shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to complete. The air filter of your car should be changed at least once a year.

01	Locate your filter: before you start the procedure of changing the air filter, you will need to find it. The air filter is placed under the hood of your car. You will notice it in a metal box that you can open by using the clips on it. Some cars, however, do have a different system. If that is the case, check the manual of your car before changing the filter.
02	Pay attention to the setting: when you open the filter, watch the important details of the setting of your air filter. It will help you put your new filter in the same position. It will also give you a valuable example of what you will do next.
03	Make the switch: this requires you to take the old filter out of the box and place the new one in. If you paid attention to step two, placing the new filter will be fairly easy.
04	Close the box: Don’t forget to close the box or the filter system back to how it was before you opened it. It is important for safety measures!

2. Replacing Wiper Blades

Replacing Wiper Blades

• Required Tools: None
• Time to Complete: 10 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $10 – $20

How to Do:

If replacing the air filter was easy, replacing your wiper blades might be even easier. All you need is some patience and 15 minutes of your time. The cost will vary between 10 USD and 20 USD depending on the type of wiper blades that you choose. However, you will not need any extra tools for this procedure.

01	Check your manual and remove old blades: before starting to change the wiper blades, checking your manual can help. Usually, you will have to move the blades in a perpendicular position as much as possible. It will be similar to when you wash your windshield position. After that remove the old blades.
02	Look closely at your blades set up: The old wiper blades will give you a clue about how to place the new ones. Look at the details and apply the same setting. Some wipes come with a tab that you can push and easily remove them. Look for that to ease your job.
03	Place the new blades: after you replaced the old wiper blades, you can place the new ones. Pay attention to respect the original setting and not damage the wiper arm.
04	Final check: Give it a try to see if the new wiper blades were placed properly and they are functioning right. Make sure they don’t scratch your windshield.

3. Replacing Spark Plugs

Replacing Spark Plugs

• Required Tools: Ratchet or socket wrench, a 12 “socket extension and a spark plug socket.
• Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $10 – $15

How to Do:

To replace your spark plugs is not difficult at all. It will take you less than half an hour, and you will invest around 10-15 USD. The tools you need are ratchet or socket wrench, a 12 “socket extension and a spark plug socket.

01	Locate your spark plug
02	Remove the wires one by one in the order that they are installed
03	Remove the first spark plug by using the extension and the spark plug socket
04	Place in the new spark plug and don’t screw it in too much
05	Install the wires back, and you are all done

4. Changing Oil and Oil Filter

Changing Oil and Oil Filter

• Required Tools: Ratchet, oil pan, oil filter wrench, funnel
• Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $20

How to Do:

While this is a more complex operation, it will still not take more than 45 minutes to complete. You will need a ratchet, an oil filter wrench a funnel and some oil pan. The expenses of this procedure shouldn’t be more than 20 USD.

01	Find the oil pan by getting under your car
02	Take off the drain plug and get the oil into the oil pan
03	Replace the drain plug after there is no more oil to drain
04	Use your wrench to remove the old oil filter from the engine
05	Use motor oil to lubricate the rubber gasket that is in the oil filter
06	Add fresh oil to the oil filter but not more than two thirds
07	Place in the new oil filter securely
08	Use your funnel to fill the engine with new oil
09	Take off the old oil filter

5. Battery Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

• Required Tools: Wrenches, wire brush, rags, corrosion-removal fluid
• Time to Complete: ​20 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $5

How to Do:

For battery maintenance, you should spend around 5 USD, and it will take you not more than 20 minutes. You will need wrenches, corrosion-removal fluid, wire brush, and rags. Make sure check that your car runs properly when you are done working on it.

01	Take off your battery terminals and use a screwdriver if the cables are stuck
02	Clean the battery and the posts by using the wire brush and rinse it with water
03	Use the rags to keep your posts dry before going any further
04	Add the terminals back to your battery
05	Run the engine and see if everything works as expected

6. Flushing the Radiator

Flushing the Radiator

• Required Tools: Phillips-head screwdriver or wrench, radiator flush solution, rags, funnel, coolant, used coolant receptacle
• Time to Complete: 30 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $25

How to Do:

To flush your radiator, you will need half an hour of your time and around 25 USD. The tools to use for this procedure are a wrench, rags, radiator flush solution, coolant, and funnel.

01	Find the radiator’s drain plug and put the used coolant receptacle in place before you unscrew the drain plug. Let the old coolant drain entirely.
02	Take off the drain plug and radiator cap
03	Add the flush cleaning by using the funnel and fill the radiator with water
04	Put back the radiator cap
05	Let your car run for at least 30 minutes and turn on your heater
06	Turn the car off and drain the radiator before filling it with fresh coolant
07	Check to see that everything is in place and all the pieces that you took out are safely placed back in your car

7. Replacing Brake Pads

Replacing Brake Pads

• Required Tools: Lug wrench, open-end or adjustable wrench, C-clamp, hammer
• Time to Complete: 30 minutes to an hour
• Estimated Cost: $40 and up ( based on your car)

How to Do:

For this procedure, you will need lug wrench, C-clamp, open-end or adjustable wrench and a hammer. It should take around half an hour or one hour, and you can spend up to 40 USD.

01	Place your car on jack stands
02	Brake the lugs of your tire and remove the wheels one by one
03	Take off the brake pads
04	Place the new pads and set them up by using the old clips
05	Use your C-clamp to compress the brake piston
06	Place the caliper on the new pads
07	Set up the caliper and place your wheels back
08	Try your brakes to make sure they are safe before driving your car

8. Replacing the Fuel Filter

Replacing the Fuel Filter

• Required Tools: New fuel filter, open end wrenches, new fuel line washers, rags, eye protection
• Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $20

How to Do:

To replace the fuel filter, you will need around 20 USD, a new filter, fuel line washers, wrenches, rags and eye protection. It shouldn’t take more than half an hour but if you have problems doing it take your time. Better to be safe than sorry!

01	Release fuel set up pressure and disconnect the fuel lines from the filter using wrenches
02	Use a rag to protect yourself from any potential pressure
03	Set the bold aside and repeat the process for the other side of the filter
04	Take off the old filter and change the washers
05	Install the new oil filter by doing the reverse process of removing the old one

9. Inflating Tires/Checking Tire Pressure

Inflating Tires Checking Tire Pressure

• Required Tools: A tire pressure gauge and an air pump
• Time to Complete: More than 10 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $10

How to Do:

For this procedure, you will need a tire pressure gauge and an air pump. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes, and the costs are around 10 USD.

01	Know the recommended tire pressure that your car needs by checking the manual
02	Perform on checking each tire pressure by using the pressure gauge and press it into the valve stem
03	Fill your tires up to the desired pressure level by using an air pump. Remove the valves caps and fill each tire at a time.
04	Check the air pressure again and if it is too high press on the needle inside the valve to release any extra air
05	Drive your car for a short distance to see if your tires feel comfortable for you while driving

10. Replacing Headlights

Replacing Headlights

• Required Tools: Replacement bulbs, gloves, and a clean cloth
• Time to Complete: 20 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $10

How to Do:

To replace your headlights, you will need replacement bulbs, gloves, and a clean cloth. It should take around 20 minutes, and the cost varies according to the type of bulbs you need. Some bulbs can be as cheap as 10 USD while others can easily beat 50 USD. It is important to have the right model of bulbs for your car.

01	Take off the housing of the bulb and the housing screws
02	Unlock the socket by turning it a quarter counterclockwise
03	Pull the bulb out and clean the socket by using gloves and a cloth
04	Place the new bulb into the socket
05	Set up the headlight together and fix the socket and housing in place
06	Check your lights to see if they work properly

11. Fixing Paint Scratches

Fixing Paint Scratches

• Required Tools: Cleaning solution and cloths, dry sandpaper, paint.
• Time to Complete: One day
• Estimated Cost: $50

How to Do:

It is a procedure that you can easily do at home. You will need cleaning solution and cloths, dry sandpaper, paint. It will take one day, but a big pause between the steps and you will spend less than 50 USD.

01	Clean the scratched area by using a cloth and cleaning solution
02	Apply color to the scratch and let it sit for one day to make sure it dries
03	Wet-sand the area by using sandpaper until the paint looks smooth
04	Apply gloss compound to the damaged area
05	Wash the scratched area and wait to get dry before you repeat the operation if needed
06	Wipe the area with a clean cloth when you are done

12. Changing a Flat Tire

Changing a Flat Tire

• Required Tools: A spare tire, wrenches, tire-iron, and rags
• Time to Complete: 20 -30 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $50

How to Do:

It is one of the most common maintenance procedures you might have to do to your car. You will need a spare tire, wrenches, tire-iron, and rags. It should take less than 30 minutes, and you will not spend more than 50 USD.

It is recommended to have a spare tire on your car at all times. The need to replace one of your tires can come up suddenly and is better to be prepared for it.

01	Jack up your car so you have easy access to the tire
02	Use your tire-iron to loosen the wheel lugs by turning the lugs clockwise
03	Remove the flat tire and put the spare tire in place
04	Add the wheel lugs and tight them as strong as you need to by using the tire-iron
05	Lower the car from the jack and check for any lose lugs on your wheels

13. Jump Starting your Car

Jump Starting your Car

• Required Tools: Jumper cables
• Time to Complete: 10 -15 minutes
• Estimated Cost: None

How to Do:

It is a great procedure to be aware of when your car’s battery is damaged. You will need jumper cables, another car owner to help you and no investment. It should take less than 15 minutes with proper help.

01	Find a friend or a stranger to pull their car in front of your car so that you can borrow some electricity from them
02	Check for leaks or safety hazards before starting the procedure
03	Connect one red clamp on your battery and the other red clamp on the good batter both on positive terminals
04	Connect one black clamp to the negative terminal of the battery that is charged and the other black clamp to a grounded metal on the car with dead battery
05	Turn on the car engine and let it run for a few minutes
06	Remove the jumper cables
07	Leave the engine on, and you are good to go!

14. Removing Car Dents

Removing Car Dents

• Required Tools: A suction dent, a screwdriver, hair dryer and a mallet.
• Time to Complete: 15 – 20 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $15

How to Do:

You will have two methods that you can use when you need to remove car dents: pulling and pushing. You will need a suction dent that costs around 15 USD, a screwdriver, hair dryer and a mallet.

01	The pulling method: Use your suction dent and wet its cup before you pull the dent as strong as you can. You might need to repeat this before you see results.
02	The pushing method: Heat the exterior of the dent by using a hairdryer Try pushing the dent out from the inside by using a mallet Repeat the process until the dent is pushed all the way Cool the area using wet rags

15. Removing Bumper Stickers

Removing Bumper Stickers

• Required Tools: A lubricant and a cloth
• Time to Complete: 10 – 15 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $5

How to Do:

It is something that you can do easily and fast to make your car look like new again. You will need a lubricant and cloth, and it shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes. The costs for this are around 5 USD.

01	Peel the sticker easily and make sure it leaves as little damage to the car as possible
02	Use the lubricant to spray under the sticker as you are pulling it away
03	Continue peeling until the sticker is all the way removed
04	Use a cloth to remove the excess of lubricant from your car

16. Plasti Dipping your Car

Plasti Dipping your Car

• Required Tools: Newspapers, plasti dip, and cloths
• Time to Complete:  A few hours ( 3 – 4 hours)
• Estimated Cost: Maybe $5

How to Do:

When you need to plasti deep your car, the costs are minimal and some simple steps to follow. You will need newspapers, plasti dip, and cloths. It should take a few hours to complete, but it depends on how much of your car’s surface you want to plasti dip. If it is applied correctly, plasti dip can last up to three years.

01	Wash the area that you want to plasti dip and dry it properly
02	Cover the rest of the near areas with newspapers, so you don’t spray them by mistake
03	Shake your plasti dip spray and apply and spray each section you want to cover at a time
04	Leave the plasti dip to dry for around 30 minutes
05	Add additional layers if you need to by following the same process
06	When you are done applying the plasti dip, give it up to four hours to dry completely

17. Dangling exhaust pipes

Dangling exhaust pipes

• Required Tools: Wheel ramps, eye protection, screwdriver, pliers, a tin can
• Time to Complete: One hour
• Estimated Cost: $20 – $30

How to Do:

Your exhaust pipes need constant checking and sometimes replacing to maintain your exhaust system working properly. You will need around one hour to fix them and less than 30 USD if you have the right tools. You will need wheel ramps, eye protection, screwdriver, pliers, a tin can. Be careful and put your safety first as this procedure can be slightly dangerous for beginners.

01	Identify the problem with your exhaust system by listening to your car closely. Decide if the problems come from the inside or the outside of the system.
02	Jack up your car securely to have easy access to the pipes
03	Use eye protection and wheel ramps for your safety during this process since a jack is not enough
04	Remove the old pipes by using your screwdriver to unbolt them and pliers according to the type of pipes that you have
05	Screw in the new pipes and make sure you tighten them up with the bolts, so they don’t dangle
06	Check for well-functioning

If your pipes are not that damaged that they need replacement, you will just need to tighten them. It can be easily done by screwing in the pipes more and checking them until they don’t dangle.

18. Changing a Car Serpentine Belt

Changing a Car Serpentine Belt

• Required Tools: Wrenches, gloves, and new serpentine belt
• Time to Complete: $30 minutes
• Estimated Cost: $20 or more

How to Do:

You will need wrenches and gloves as well as a new serpentine belt. This procedure shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, and the costs depend on the type of belt you use, from 20 USD to more expensive ones.

01	Find the routing diagram which is usually under the hood of your car
02	Release the tension on the belt by using a wrench to compress the tensioner if it is not automatic one
03	Slide the old belt out of the car slowly
04	Check the pulleys and make sure they don’t wobble
05	Place the new belt in and run the routing diagram to check the belt is running properly
06	Tighten the new belt in by compressing the tensioner back. Do this in the reverse clockwise direction.
07	Double check the functioning of your new belt to make sure it is not lose

19. Change a Car Fuse

Change a Car Fuse

• Required Tools: A new car fuse
• Time to Complete: A few minutes
• Estimated Cost: $1 – $2

How to Do:

Changing a car fuse is essential for the maintenance of your car. And they are fairly easy to replace. You will need a new car fuse, and most fuses are only 1-2 USD. It should take you a few minutes to replace with simple steps. It is probably the easier maintenance operation to do on your car.

01	Locate the fuse on your car by checking the manual
02	Simply take the old fuse out of the car
03	Place the new fuse in
04	Make sure the car runs properly

Q&A

How can I maintain my car by myself?

Every Other Fill-up, Do These Three Things

1. Clean windshield.
2. Check tire pressure.
3. Change oil every 5,000 miles.
4. Change air filter every 12,000 miles.
5. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
6. Wash your car regularly.
7. Don’t use the inside of your car as a garbage can.

What car maintenance is worth doing yourself?

Check fluid levels

This is the easily the most important preventive maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Once per month, you should check the levels of: brake fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Engine coolant should be checked every six months.

What is the easiest car maintenance?

10 Easy DIY Car Repairs and Maintenance Projects to Save You Money

1. Brake Pads. Brake pads can cost between $35 and $150.
2. Battery. Battery replacement is a simple process.
3. Oil Change. You change your oil with a racket, wrench, and funnel.
4. Spark Plugs.
5. Windshield Wipers.
6. Headlight/Tail Light Bulbs.
7. Tire Maintenance.
8. Air Filters.

What does a tune up consist of?

Generally, a tune-up consists of checking the engine for parts that need cleaning, fixing, or replacing. Common areas under inspection include filters, spark plugs, belts and hoses, car fluids, rotors, and distributor caps.

What should I change in my car?

The 7 Fluids You NEED To Change To Keep Your Car In Tip-Top Shape

1. Oil. Even if you’re not big into cars, you probably understand the importance of motor oil.
2. Radiator Fluid.
3. Transmission Fluid.
4. Power Steering Fluid.
5. Brake Fluid.
6. A/C Coolant.
7. Windshield Washer Fluid.

How do I keep my car running like new?

How to Keep Your Old Car Running like New

1. Drive Your Old Car Regularly, But Sensibly.
2. Change Oil in Your Car Regularly.
3. Keep Your Coolant Flowing.
4. Get Regular Car Inspections.
5. Invest in Quality Tires for Your Old Car.
6. Take Your Old Car to a Trusted Mechanic.

What is the most important maintenance on a car?

The 8 Most Important Car Maintenance Services Teen Drivers and First-Time Drivers Need To Know

• Change Your Oil Regularly.
• Rotate Your Tires & Check Air Pressure.
• Check Your Battery’s Charge.
• Replace Worn-Down Brake Pads.
• Replace Your Air Filter.
• Check Hoses & Belts.
• Replace Old Spark Plugs.
• About Christian Brothers Automotive.

What cars are cheap maintenance?

The Least Expensive Cars to Maintain

Rank	Model	10 Year Maintenance Cost
1	Toyota Prius	$4,008
2	Toyota Yaris	$4,027
3	Toyota Corolla	$4,087
4	Toyota Prius Prime	$4,098

What brand car lasts the longest?

Toyota

Longest-Lasting Car Brands to Reach 200,000 Miles- iSeeCars Study
Rank	Model	% of Cars Over 200k Miles
1	Toyota	2.0%
2	Honda	1.6%
3	Chevrolet	1.5%

How often should I change my spark plugs?

Spark plugs are designed for long-term durability, meaning that they only need to be replaced between every 80,000 and 100,000 miles. However, they can become damaged earlier than expected and require replacements to avoid pricey engine repairs.

How do you know how many spark plugs you need?

Depending on the number of cylinders your engine has will determine how many you need. It’s one for one. For example, if you drive a 4-cylinder engine, you need 4 spark plugs. To go along with engine fit, most spark plugs get made from different types of metal, some being cheaper than others.

How often should you tune up your car?

Most older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first. Newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up.

What liquids do you put in a car?

What car fluids are in car?

1. Engine oil.
2. Transmission fluid.
3. Coolant.
4. Brake fluid.
5. Windshield washer fluid.
6. Checking engine oil.
7. Coolant (anti-freeze)
8. Power steering fluid.

What car flushes are necessary?

Here are 4 automotive flushes that you need to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible.

• Coolant Flush | Car AC Help.
• Power Steering Flush | Why isn’t my Steering Wheel Working?
• Brake Fluid Flush | Brake Service Near Me.
• Transmission Fluid Flush.
• Automotive Repair in the NC Triangle.

How often should you change car air filter?

Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter? A: Typically, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently.

How can I make my car last forever?

Seven Tips to Make Your Used Car Last Longer

1. Perform Regular Maintenance.
2. Don’t Ignore Gauges, Lights or Alerts.
3. Keep an Eye on Fluids and Filters.
4. Inspect and Rotate Tires.
5. Use the Right Parts, Fluids, and Gas.
6. Adjust Your Driving Habits.
7. Keep Your Car Clean and Protected.
8. Find a quality, reliable used car at The KEY!

How can I make my engine run forever?

Keep Your Car Running Forever with Regular Care

1. Keep Your Car Running Forever with Committed Care.
2. Follow the Maintenance Schedule.
3. Check Oil, Engine Fluids and Tire Pressure.
4. Avoid Revving Your Engine when Starting Up.
5. Ease Off the Gas Pedal and Brakes.
6. Pay Attention to Odd Noises.
7. Store Heavy Objects Elsewhere.

At what speed should a new car be driven?

Experts recommend a maximum 3,500 rpm and 90 mph in diesel models and 4,500 rpm and 100 mph in gas models. This will give the engine and transmission sufficient time to adjust to each other. Once you’ve reached the 1,300-mile mark, you can gradually increase your speed and your engine’s RPM.

What is the most reliable car brand?

Toyota earns the top spot as the best automaker for dependability. Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity, and they are proven to last longer than any other brand.The Most Reliable Car Brands.

Longest-Lasting Car Brands to Reach 200,000 Miles- iSeeCars Study
Rank	Model	% of Cars Over 200k Miles
1	Toyota	2.3%
2	Honda	1.9%
3	GMC	1.8%

Which car brand cost the most to maintain?

According to YourMechanic, BMWs cost the most to properly maintain—they’re also known for experiencing breakdowns which can cost you up to $3,688. Luxury car brands typically require more lump sums of money to maintain because of how they’re built.

What brands cost the most to maintain?

According to the research done by YourMechanic, these are the most expensive car brands to maintain over years:

• BMW.
• Mercedes-Benz.
• Cadillac.
• Volvo.
• Audi.
• Saturn.
• Mercury.
• Pontiac.

Summary

With these easy DIY tips, you will not spend as much money as you thought at the auto service. Most of the tools that you need can probably be found in your garage. And if that is not the case, they are worth the investment. You will use them for future maintenance of your car. Make sure to put your safety first before you start any procedure of maintenance. It is important as accidents can happen easily especially when you work underneath your car. And these tips are great to teach your friends and family as well.

So share them with others to ease their job and save their budget as well!

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