DIY Day 2024: Top 10 DIY Fixes To Save Money On Your Car

Car maintenance can have a substantial financial impact, with reports indicating that UK drivers may incur costs running into tens of thousands of pounds over their lifetime. Vehicle owners frequently encounter unforeseen repairs. From minor cosmetic damage like a scrape in the car park to a significant mechanical breakdown on the motorway.  Having issues with your vehicle you are left with the decision of whether to undertake DIY repairs or to consult a professional.

1. Changing a Flat Tyre
2. Changing the Oil
3. Replacing a Bulb
4. Replacing an Air Filter
5. Changing Spark Plugs
6. Replacing Wiper Blades
7. Tyre Replacement
8. Touch-Up Paint Job
9. Tyre Inflation
10. Fluid Levels Check and Refill
    
    

DIY DAY 2024

Discover seven straightforward DIY car repair tasks you can handle without professional help:

Changing a Flat Tyre: Flat tyres are a common inconvenience that can happen at any time on the road. Knowing how to change the tyre is crucial and can ensure your safety. It's recommended to practice this skill at home before needing to in an emergency. You should also ensure you always have the necessary equipment like a spare tyre in your vehicle (car jack, spare tyre, lug wrench). Familiarise yourself with your car tyre changing process to handle this issue safely.

Read our full “ How To Change A Tyre” guide…

Changing the Oil: Regular oil changes are crucial for your car's engine to operate smoothly and efficiently. Neglecting this can lead to severe engine damage. Checking and topping up your engine oil every 3,000 miles can prevent overheating and wear. In return extending your car's lifespan. This process involves removing the dipstick, checking the oil level, and adding more oil if needed.

Replacing a Bulb: Headlights, brake lights, and sidelights are essential for safety and can wear out over time. Replacing a bulb is a straightforward task that requires a new bulb, alcohol wipes, tissues, and sometimes a screwdriver. Ensure you purchase the correct bulbs for your car model and follow a step-by-step guide to replace them.

Replacing an Air Filter: An air filter should be replaced every 12 months or 11,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This task is simple and can significantly benefit your car's fuel efficiency, engine life, and emission reduction. Locate the air filter, remove the old one, and replace it with a new one, ensuring it fits exactly as before.

Changing Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are essential for your car's ignition. Symptoms of faulty spark plugs include loss of engine spark, intermittent misfires, and vibrations. Changing spark plugs involves identifying the plugs, removing the old ones, and carefully installing new ones in a specific order to ensure proper engine function.

Replacing Wiper Blades: Fixing your windscreen blades is vital to pass an MOT but more importantly see clearly from the windscreen. This is a simple, tool-free task. New blades can be easily fitted by lifting the arm, releasing the old blade, and securing the new one in place.

Read our guide on “ How To Change Wiper Blades” here…

Touch-Up Paint Job: Small scratches and dents on your car can be annoying but fixing them yourself can save on bodywork repairs. Use a touch-up paint kit designed for your car's colour and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Read our guides on “ How To Remove Scratches” and “ How To Remove Dents” here…

Tyre Inflation: Regularly check and adjust your car's tyre pressure yourself. Find the recommended pressure in your owner's manual, use a pressure gauge to check each tyre, and inflate / deflate as needed using an air pump or service station facilities.

Read our guide on “ How To Inflate A Tyre” here…

Fluid Levels Check and Refill: You can manage your car's essential fluid levels without professional help. Regularly check and top up engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Monitor these levels to identify any potential leaks.

Always Consult A Professional If You Are Unsure

While there are many car maintenance tasks and simple repairs you can do yourself to save money, certain issues should always be left to professionals. This is due to their complexity, safety risks, and the potential for expensive mistakes. Here are some car problems and repairs that require professional attention:

Transmission Repairs: Transmission work is highly complex and requires specialised tools and knowledge. Incorrect repairs can lead to significant damage and safety issues.

Suspension Work: Replacing or repairing suspension components like struts and shock absorbers involves specialised equipment and expertise. Incorrect handling can affect the car's handling and safety.

Airbag Repairs: Airbags are critical safety components. Servicing or attempting to fix airbag systems without proper knowledge can result in accidental deployment or failure to deploy in an accident.

Timing Belt Replacement: The timing belt is crucial for the engine's timing and operation. Improper installation can cause major engine damage. This task often requires specific tools and precise alignment.

Electrical Issues: Modern cars have complex electrical systems. Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues without proper training and tools can lead to further damage or even create fire hazards.

Air Conditioning Repair: AC systems involve hazardous refrigerants that require special handling and disposal methods. Incorrect repairs can lead to system damage or environmental harm.

Fuel System Repairs: Working on the fuel system can be dangerous due to the risk of fire. Professional mechanics have the necessary equipment to safely handle and repair fuel system components.

Brake Line Repairs: The braking system is vital for safety, and repairing brake lines involves dealing with high-pressure systems and ensuring there are no leaks, which requires professional skills and tools.

Windshield Replacement: Properly installing a windshield is crucial for vehicle structural integrity and occupant safety. Professionals have the tools and adhesives to ensure a correct fit.

Structural Repairs: Any repairs involving the vehicle's frame or structural integrity should be done by a professional to ensure the car remains safe to drive, especially after an accident.

While DIY car maintenance can be rewarding and cost-effective, always assess the risk and complexity of the task at hand. When in doubt, consulting with a professional is the safest choice to maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you're ever unsure about a repair or feel it's beyond your skill level, don't hesitate to contact one of our garages for assistance.

Remember, it's always better to seek professional advice than to risk further damage or compromise your safety on the road.