DIY Auto Maintenance: 3 Things You Can Do At Home (And When To Go Pro)

While some auto maintenance requires special equipment and expert knowledge, there’s plenty you can do at home to keep your vehicle in shape. Today’s post highlights 3 auto maintenance tasks that anyone can complete at home to protect their automotive investment and prevent wear-and-tear.

Read on to learn what’s safe to do yourself, and what’s best left to the pros, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to speak directly with an ASE-certified auto maintenance expert.

DIY Auto Maintenance: 3 Things Anyone Can Do At Home

1.   Change Your Oil

Oil changes should be taught in school—they’re that important. Fortunately, they require no special equipment—you can do it at home for just the cost of the oil—and the whole process is really easy to learn.

Simply put your car up on jacks somewhere flat, find the oil drain plug, and drain the old oil into a pan, setting it aside to be recycled at an auto parts store. Next, replace the plug, pour the new bottle into the designated opening in the motor, and you’re pretty much done!

We recommend changing your oil every 3 months or 5,000km of driving—whatever comes first. Of course, if you’d rather save yourself the hassle, and collect rewards points in the process, you can also leave it up to your local TIRECRAFT.

2.   Replace Your Air Filter

While you’re waiting for the oil to drain out of your car, why not double-down on your auto maintenance to-do list and check the air filter? This is what keeps your car running efficiently and your heat/AC systems working properly. Make sure the filter is free of any debris and discolouration. If the filter looks dirty, it’s probably time for a replacement, which you can find at your local TIRECRAFT for a great price.

Don’t worry: replacing the air filter is usually as simple as unscrewing the cover cap, sliding the old one out, and sliding the new one in. If you’re not sure where it’s located, you can either check your owner’s manual or contact your local TIRECRAFT.

3.   Clean Your Headlights

Cleaning your headlights is not about aesthetics; it’s about safety, as gunky headlights can greatly reduce your visibility.

Fortunately, cleaning your headlights is a breeze. Plenty of companies now sell headlight restoration kits for as little as $20. They’re easy to use and there are plenty available for a great price at your local TIRECRAFT.

When To Leave Auto Maintenance To The Pros

Obviously, you should never attempt anything beyond your skill level. But there are also plenty of DIY-friendly auto maintenance tasks that simply aren’t worth your time and money to complete at home. Generally speaking, that’s anything that requires:

1. Extra effort or expense to dispose of chemicals or materials
2. The purchase of special equipment or tools
3. Considerable time to learn

For example, anyone can change their coolant at home, and it only takes about an hour to do. However, you’ll need to invest in an air-powered refilling tool to eliminate any pockets as you fill. Since coolant changes aren’t required that often—most manufacturers recommend doing so every 24 to 36 months—it might not be worth it to invest in your own equipment, especially when this service is already so affordable at your local TIRECRAFT.

But that’s up to you, and if you want to DIY, we have the equipment you need! Contact your local TIRECRAFT to begin browsing our auto maintenance parts and accessories.

Back