If you’re not interested in paying for every oil change or fluid check, you can enjoy the benefits of DIY auto maintenance.
To do this, you will have to build a bit of a toolkit and have the right area to work in, so that you can be successful in performing some of the basic maintenance on your own. If you have extra time, this is a great way to save money and learn more about your car.
Map Out Your Success
Just because you see a pit crew in professional racing change a tire in only a few seconds doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to do this. You want to plan ahead for the DIY auto maintenance you’ll perform so that you can be successful. You need a clean space that’s free of clutter and plenty of time. Map out the process for your activity and give yourself extra time.
Why do You Need Extra Time?
You never know what could go wrong when performing maintenance on your vehicle. A bolt might strip, you might have a hard time loosening a nut, or you may find a part that needs to be replaced that you weren’t expecting. Give yourself ample time to complete the job so that you don’t feel rushed or frustrated with the process.
Find the Right Tools for DIY Auto Maintenance
Your vehicle is a complex machine with a variety of parts that come from all over the world. This means you will see bolts, nuts, and fasteners of all shapes and sizes on your vehicle. Make sure you have a good ratchet set, screwdrivers, pliers, Allen wrenches, and open-end wrenches. It’salso a good idea to have a hammer and a couple of prybars in the toolkit for some of the most stubborn jobs.
Buy a Good Jack and Jack Stands
The jack that comeswith your car isn’t meant for use during maintenance in your garage. It’s meant for that emergency time when you need to change a flat on the side of the road. Invest in a strong jack and a pair of jack stands to hold up your vehicle. You want these items to give you enough clearance that you can get under the car and work comfortably.
Take Advantage of DIY Auto Maintenance Videos and Manuals
Learning about your car and the maintenance it needs can be a time-consuming job, but if you’re interested in doing this, the results can be well worth your time. There are millions of videos telling you how to perform various tasks that can be found on YouTube. You can also purchase repair manuals and take some online classes to learn more about auto repair and maintenance.
If you want to perform some of the DIY auto maintenance of your vehicle, there are some things you need, but the time and education you receive can be worth the effort. As an aside, before you disassemble any part of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to take a photo of the area you’re taking apart before you begin so you know what goes where when you put it back together.
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