Skip to main content

DIY Car Maintenance: My Plan to Start Small and Level Up

DIY Car Maintenance: My Plan to Start Small and Level Up

Why I’m Starting DIY Maintenance

I’ve decided to take on my own basic car maintenance. The plan is to begin with oil changes and gradually work up to brakes, fluids, and eventually anything I feel confident doing. Beyond saving money, learning these skills just feels empowering.

Cost and Break-Even Estimate

The upfront cost for quality tools and supplies looks to be around $400. Based on current shop prices, it’ll take roughly 8 oil changes—or about two years for my two cars—to break even. After that, every oil change is pure savings.

But the bigger payoff is being able to handle larger jobs that would otherwise cost hundreds per visit.

Mechanic Tools

I'll gradually add tools and for now all I need for oil changes are quality ramps, oil drain pan, oil filter wrench and a 1/4" socket set.  I already have the socket so the ramps, pan and filter wrench are maybe $200.
  • Kobalt - 65 piece - Household (has 1/4" socket set) - $30
  • Oil Drain Pan - $25
  • Oil Filter Wrench - $20
  • Jack Stands - $65
  • Floor jack - $60
When I'm confident after a few oil changes, I'll invest in next level of tools
  • Multimeter
  • ODB II reader - $30
  • Full Mechanic Tools - 1/4, 3/8, Crescent Wrenches - $100
  • Torque Wrench - $80
  • Breaker Bar
I'll need to learn of all the shop supplies and list them here as well.

Building Skills Step by Step

I already do the easy stuff—batteries, wiper blades, cabin air filters, and engine air filters—so oil changes feel like a logical next step. Once I’ve mastered that, I plan to move on to higher-value tasks like brake pads/rotors and eventually fluid services.

Ramps vs. Jack Stands: My First Dilemma

My first decision is choosing how to safely lift the car: ramps or jack stands.

  • Ramps are simple, stable, and perfect for fluid changes.

  • Jack stands unlock brake work, tire rotations, suspension jobs—anything needing the wheels off.

My plan is to start with ramps for routine fluid changes, then add jack stands once I’m ready to expand into more complex repairs.

What I Can Already Do

Here are the maintenance items I already handle on my own:

  1. Wiper blades

  2. Cabin air filter

  3. Engine air filter

  4. Car battery

What I’ll Be Adding Next

These are the jobs I’m planning to learn in order, from easiest to more advanced:

  • Oil changes

  • Brake pads

  • Brake rotors

  • Transmission fluid drain & fill

  • Engine coolant replacement

  • Brake fluid flush

  • Tire rotation

  • Spark plugs (depending on vehicle)

  • Serpentine belt

  • Suspension components (if I ever feel confident enough)

The Long-Term Goal

Piece by piece, I’m building a garage setup that lets me do my own work safely and reliably. Starting simple, learning as I go, and eventually handling anything that doesn’t require a lift or a professional diagnostic tool.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co...
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: 5600 Series For overall size, the 5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: 9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offer the r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Casio MTD 1010 the $30 Submariner Homage

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci...
3 comments
Read more