Can You Service Your Own Car? A Complete Guide for DIY Maintenance

Car ownership can be pricey, and if a regular service feels like a big expense, you might consider handling some basic maintenance tasks yourself. Servicing your own car doesn’t take an expert, but some confidence under the hood helps. After all, whether doing it yourself or going to a mechanic, regular servicing — on schedule or even earlier — is important for safety and keeping your car running smoothly.

This guide covers what you need for a basic service, plus a simple checklist to keep you on track.

Understanding the Basics of a Car Service

A full car service isn’t a quick check. It includes at least 50 inspections and adjustments to keep your vehicle in top shape. It also follows key maintenance milestones, like oil changes every 3,000-6,000 miles, brake checks every 10,000 miles, and gear oil changes anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your car.

If you’re thinking about servicing your own car, you’ll need the right skills, tools, and information. A professional can do it in a few hours, but for someone without experience, things can go wrong quickly. For example, installing a part incorrectly or missing a step could lead to expensive repairs or even safety risks on the road.

There’s also your warranty to consider. If your car is still under manufacturer coverage, using unapproved parts or fluids could void it. So, unless you feel confident in your abilities and your car is out of warranty, leave it to the experts.

Tools and Equipment Needed for DIY Car Servicing

To service your car, you need a good set of tools and equipment, and there’s no skipping that. Don’t start unless you have everything ready. Without the right gear, you could damage important parts, make expensive mistakes, or even put yourself and others at risk. This isn’t something you can take lightly — it’s a serious job.

Along with basic tools like spanners, screwdrivers, and some old rags, you’ll need:

• Nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean and protected
• A socket set (including a spark plug socket)
• A torque wrench
• A car jack and axle stands or wheel ramps and chocks
• A funnel to avoid spills when refilling fluids
• An oil drain tray or bucket
• An oil filter removal tool

Make sure you have a repair manual for your car to do the job properly and avoid costly mistakes. Also, you need proper ventilation if you’re working with fluids or in a garage.

Key DIY Car Service Tasks

In this section, we’ll go over essential tasks and provide some key tips to help you service your car safely.

Oil and Filter Change

Check your car’s oil every 2,000 miles or so and change it around every 3,000 miles.

Checking your oil:

1. Make sure your car isn’t running and that you’re parked on level ground.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then put it back in and remove it again.
3. Check the oil level. If it’s low, you’ll obviously need more oil.

Topping up oil:

1. Unscrew the oil cap and add small amounts of fresh oil.
2. Keep checking the dipstick until it reaches the maximum level.
3. Replace the cap securely when you’re done.

Changing oil:

1. Let the engine cool, then remove the dipstick and oil cap.
2. Position a drain pan under the oil plug and unscrew it to drain the oil.
3. Replace the drain plug and the oil filter.
4. Add new oil using a funnel and check the level as you go.
5. Start the engine for a minute or two, then check the oil again once it cools.

Air Filter Replacement

Air filters usually need to be replaced every three years.

How to change it:

1. Open the bonnet and find the air filter — it’s usually in a black box with metal clips. Check your owner’s manual if needed.
2. Unclip the box and pay attention to how the dirty air filter is placed before taking it out.
3. Place the new filter just like you found the old one.
4. Clip the box shut.

Spark Plug Replacement

Spark plugs need changing about every 30,000 miles.

How to change them:

1. Find the spark plugs — they’re attached to thick wires. Most cars have four to eight of them.
2. Remove the wire from one spark plug at a time so you don’t mix them up.
3. Use the torque wrench with the socket extension to unscrew and take out the old plug.
4. Screw in the new plug by hand first, then tighten it with the torque wrench. Just don’t overtighten.
5. Reconnect the wire.
6. Repeat for each spark plug, one at a time.

Coolant Check and Top-Up

Checking your coolant level regularly helps keep your engine from overheating. It’s a simple car service task that should be done every six months.

How to check your coolant:

1. Park on a flat surface and let the engine cool down completely. Opening the coolant cap while the engine is hot can be dangerous.
2. Pop the bonnet and find the coolant reservoir.
3. Look at the level. It should be between the “min” and “max” marks. If it’s too low, you’ll need to add more. If it’s too high, remove some to avoid overflow.

How to top it up:

1. If you’re using concentrated antifreeze, mix it with distilled water as instructed — usually 50/50 or 70/30 in colder climates.
2. Place a rag over the reservoir cap and carefully remove it.
3. Use a funnel to avoid spills because coolant is toxic.
4. Slowly pour until the level reaches the “max” line.
5. Secure the cap tightly.

Brake Pad Replacement

If you’re comfortable working on your car, follow these steps:

1. Jack up the car, secure it with stands and remove the wheel.
2. Unbolt and remove the brake calliper so that it doesn’t hang by the brake line.
3. Take out the old brake pads and check the brake rotor for any damage or wear.
4. Insert the new pads in the correct position.
5. Reattach the brake calliper, tighten the bolts, and put the wheel back on.
6. Pump the brake pedal a few times to set the pads, then do a cautious test drive.

Gearbox Oil and Filter Change

Manual gearboxes need an oil change every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, and automatics can go between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

How to check and change your gear oil:

1. Open the bonnet, find the transmission dipstick, and check the oil level and colour. If it’s low or dark, it’s time for a change.
2. Place a drain pan under the gearbox, unscrew the drain bolt, and let the old oil drain out.
3. Remove the old gasket and filter, then clean the gearbox pan.
4. Install the new gasket and filter, then reattach the pan or drain bolt.
5. Add the correct amount of new oil using an oil pump or funnel.
6. Let it settle, start the engine, and check the level again.
7. Dispose of the old oil properly at a recycling centre.

AdBlue Refill for Diesel Vehicles

AdBlue needs topping up every few thousand miles — anywhere from 3,000 to 12,000, depending on your car and driving habits. Thankfully, your dashboard will warn you when it’s running low.

How to refill:

1. Find the AdBlue tank. It’s usually near the diesel filler cap or under the bonnet.
2. Unscrew the cap and insert a funnel.
3. Slowly pour in AdBlue until the tank is full.
4. If the warning light stays on, your car might need a dashboard reset.
5. Wait a minute before starting the engine to let the system recognise the refill.

Battery Terminal Cleaning

Keeping your car battery in good shape is simple, and cleaning the terminals once a year helps prevent issues when starting your vehicle.

How to clean your battery terminals:

1. Turn off the car and disconnect the battery. Negative terminal first, then positive.
2. Check for damage. If the battery looks swollen, it may need replacing.
3. Clean off corrosion using a baking soda and water paste, scrubbing with a toothbrush or steel wool.
4. Dry the terminals and apply a little petroleum jelly to help prevent future buildup.
5. Reconnect the battery: positive terminal first, then negative.

Tyre Inspection and Pressure Check

Check your tyres every few months. Here’s how:

1. Look for damage. Check for cracks, cuts, or bulges. If you spot any, the tyre may need replacing.
2. Check the tread depth. Place a ruler in the grooves to see how much tread is left.
3. Know when to replace them. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but for better safety, consider changing them before they drop below 3mm.

Risks and Challenges of a DIY Car Service

If you’re not experienced with car maintenance, servicing your own car can be risky. Just having the right tools and a place to work doesn’t mean you’ll know what to do once you’re under the bonnet. A small mistake could turn into a big problem and leave you with costly repairs and a trip to the trusted local garage you were trying to avoid.

Even if you’re confident in your skills, skipping professional servicing can lower your car’s resale value. Buyers look for a full service history as proof the car has been well-maintained. Missing records can make them hesitate.

In short, the main risks are:

• Costly mistakes
• Safety hazards
• Lower resale value
• Warranty issues

For complex repairs, it’s always better to consult a professional mechanic.

Cost Comparison – DIY vs. Professional Service

Servicing your own car can save you a lot of money, but is it always worth it? Here’s a look at some common maintenance costs and how much you could save by doing the work yourself.

But it’s not just about the money. You’ll need the right tools, a bit of know-how, and the confidence to get the job done properly. Some tasks are fairly straightforward, but others can be difficult. So, before you pick up a spanner, think about whether the savings are really worth the effort.

How Carplus Can Help You with Car Service and Maintenance

Keeping up with car maintenance can feel overwhelming, but Carplus makes it easier. Beyond financing and leasing, we help car owners manage servicing costs and plan ahead.

Carplus provides insights on reliability, servicing costs, and financing options. So, if you’re buying a used car, upgrading to something newer, or figuring out long-term upkeep, we’ve got you. With flexible payment plans, you can take care of your car without unexpected financial stress. Plus, our tips make car maintenance easier to manage.

Get expert advice today!

Conclusion

Taking care of your car is important, but tackling repairs without the right skills or tools can do more harm than good.

Is DIY cheaper? Sometimes, but only if you know what you’re doing. Routine maintenance, like changing an air filter or topping up fluid levels, is manageable. However, a small mistake can lead to costly repairs and, in some cases, even safety risks.

Should I call a professional? If you’re hesitating, that’s your answer. A mechanic will service your car and save money, time, and potential headaches down the road.