DIY Car Maintenance: What You Can Do Yourself (And Why It Matters)

You don’t need to be a mechanic to save time, money—and gain peace of mind—when it comes to keeping your car in good nick. Doing some maintenance yourself builds confidence, spots little issues early and keeps your ride safer. Below are smart, manageable tasks every car owner should know.

Easy & Essential Checks (No special tools needed)

These are low-risk tasks that you can knock off in 5–10 minutes:

• Tyre Pressure & Condition

  Use a tyre gauge to set all tyres (and the spare) to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Inspect for cuts, bulges or uneven wear.

• Fluid Levels

  • Engine oil — use the dipstick; if it’s sludgy or looks milky, get it checked.

  • Windshield washer fluid — top up from the reservoir.

  • Coolant (in the overflow tank, engine cold).

  • Brake fluid & power steering fluid — if they’re low, that could signal leaks or wear.

• Lights

  Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals. Use a wall or mirror or have someone assist from behind.

• Wipers

  If they streak, chatter, or the rubber is cracked — replace them.

Simple Replacements & Clean-Ups

Still easy, but take a little more care:

• Replace wiper blades — often tool-free.

• Change engine air filter — usually inside a housing under the hood.

• Replace cabin air filter — often behind glovebox or dashboard access.

• Clean battery terminals — remove corrosion using baking soda + water, wire brush. Always disconnect negative first.

• Swap burnt-out bulbs — check your car manual; sometimes requires removing panels.

• Top-off fluids — but always use the exact spec in your vehicle’s manual.

Intermediate Tasks (Requires tools & caution)

These give you more traction—but only do them if you’re confident and have the right gear:

• Change engine oil & oil filter — requires safely lifting car, draining oil, disposing used oil responsibly.

• Rotate tyres — helps them wear more evenly; you’ll need a jack, stands, lug wrench.

• Replace spark plugs — can improve performance/fuel efficiency. Accessibility depends on car model.

Keep Safety & Boundaries in Mind

• Always use jack stands (never rely only on a jack)

• Wear safety gear (gloves, goggles)

• Park on level ground, use wheel chocks

• Don’t attempt anything you’re uncertain about — consult a pro

• Always check your car’s manual for correct fluids, parts, and procedures

Why This Matters for TDG’s Customers

At TDG we believe in empowering car owners — not just as consumers, but as partners in vehicle care. When customers feel confident doing small checks themselves, they:

• Spend less on avoidable minor repairs

• Prevent small issues from turning major (saving big bucks)

• Build a relationship of trust with their service provider

• Understand their vehicle better and make smarter decisions

We encourage you (our clients and community) to try these DIY checks from time to time.

Source: AutoTrader