5 DIY car maintenance items you can do — and some you shouldn’t

It can be tempting to save money with DIY auto repairs, even if those attempts don't always end well. From air filters to light bulbs, here are five fixes you can make without compromising the safety or operation of your vehicle.

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[JunkBondTrader]

Mechanics will always advise you to not do your own repairs. If you are even a bit mechanically inclined, learn to do your repairs yourself. Most are a lot easier than you might think and way cheaper. Brakes for example, for most vehicles, is simple. Guess how much it costs me to replace just the front pads? $25 for the pads, and that's it. Initial tool investment was maybe $50-$75. With rotors it's about $90, for the pads and rotors.

[uhhTabby]

Coolant drain and fills are very easy to do as well and helps prolong so many expensive parts

[jammymimmelman]

More great content like this please CBC, especially in this economy, and for people like me in my generation who want to be able to do this kind of maintenance but was NEVER encouraged to learn about these subject!

[loveobviously]

It’s also really easy to replace a replace the thermostat housing. 400$ at a shop, part is 23$ at Napa or Auto zone, takes 15mins to do.
I know nothing about cars, found a legit mechanic who post professional how to videos and it
saved myself 400$.

[bobchan]

Wiper blade, seasonal wheel swaps and battery replacement are very diy friendly

[mrcarterfx]

So what if you’re a mechanic do you still gotta take your car to a mechanic? 😂😂

[dailydad]

Problem with 2000s generation is they want instant service. How do you think people before get around without a fkin gps. Take your time and learn new things

[wirerat]

Ive saved thousands doing my own maintenance at home.

[werta]

its on the oil cap, except Nissan where they hide it on a sticker somewhere on the bottom side of the hood, it is also in the manual.

[sennsir]

1:15 if your car is that rusty then you’ll always have problems 🤣

[johnnymindorff]

I disagree. With the right amount fo research and PERSISTENCE being the key, you can complete almost any auto repair job in your driveway with basic hand tools. You don't need an impact gun when you have ratchets, you don't need a hydraulic lift when you have a curb to park on. I have rebuilt my suspension, replaced a STEERING RACK (something they mentioned), driveshaft and brakes all in my driveway. I learned this all on YouTube and yes I made tons of mistakes. But I was careful and I did enough research to understand the concept of the system I was working on. Never cut corners, and never give in to this shameless money grab attempt. You can do it.

[Francois_Dupont]

lololol, telling people to change their own sparkplugs. nothing will go wrong.
-break a clip
-break a wire
-strip the head
-cross-thread the head
.... good luck.

[devbandy]

It is easy for someone and difficult for others. So don't judge the general. I am a software engineer, I know it is easy to program and built computers that's what I have been doing for 3 decades. It is foolishness to ask general that why to pay for the app on phone just learn and build your own, which is very simple for me, I can write within a week using objective C and create an executable . I can't do many complicated service in CAR. However I change filters, get oil/lubes change timely by just paying the labor, which worked out a lot economical for me. However in my opinion everyone who is driving car should have basic knowledge of car and get service done timely. You can't be jack of all trades. So don't feel bad.

[sausages]

Do not attempt any of these if you aren't the type to do it. Replacing an air filter and installing it incorrectly can be detrimental to your engine as it would allow sand inside your engine (not good). I've watched my 50+ year old neighbor attempt to do an oil change. He drained the transmission and added extra oil to the engine. (Not good). If you value your vehicle and are not experienced, at least get a second opinion from someone who is.

[jptrainor]

Follow the service manual. Forget about YouTube videos other than to get a feel for what's involved. Never for detailed information.