Do you enjoy getting your hands greasy and saving money along the way? For car owners, DIY maintenance and repairs can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it save you a trip (and a hefty bill) from the mechanic, but it also gives you a sense of pride and ownership in your vehicle.

However, taking the DIY route requires preparation, the right tools, safety awareness, and knowing when to call in a professional. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate DIY enthusiast looking to expand your skill set.

Call 317-218-7133 to Get a Free Offer From Our Local Auto Scrap Yard in Indianapolis

Want to Be Your Own Mechanic?

Essential Safety Measures and Gear

Before you grab your wrench, make safety a priority. Car maintenance can involve lifting heavy vehicles, handling hazardous fluids, and working near potentially dangerous components. Here’s how to stay safe:

Proper Lifting Techniques: Always use jack stands, not just the hydraulic jack. Make sure the car is on level ground and the parking brake is engaged.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and oil exposure. Use safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris.
Well-Ventilated Area: If you’re working on anything that involves fumes, such as oil changes or brake pad replacements, ensure good ventilation to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals.
Fire Safety: Avoid sparks near flammable materials like oil and gasoline. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for chemical fires on hand.

Basic Tools Every DIYer Needs

No DIY maintenance project can begin without the right tools. Here’s a basic toolkit that will make your work easier and more efficient:

Socket and Wrench Set: For tightening and loosening bolts.
Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting your vehicle.
Torque Wrench: Ensures bolts are tightened to the correct specification.
Screwdrivers: Both flathead and Phillips are needed for a variety of tasks.
Drain Pan and Funnel: To catch and pour liquids during fluid changes.
Lug Wrench & Tire Pressure Gauge: Key for tire rotations.
Brake Cleaner, C-Clamp, & Pliers: Useful for brake pad replacements.
Flashlight or Work Lamp: Good lighting is critical for precision work.

Common DIY Projects Every Car Owner Should Know

1. Change Your Oil

Difficulty Level: Easy
Why It’s Important: Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly.
Safety Tips: Ensure the engine is cool before draining the oil to avoid burns. Use gloves and safety glasses.
Tools Needed: Wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, and jack stands.
Cost Savings: Save $25–$75 compared to a professional service.

2. Rotate Tires

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why It’s Important: Ensures even tire wear and extends their lifespan.
Safety Tips: Use jack stands, not just the jack. Follow the correct rotation pattern.
Tools Needed: Jack, jack stands, and torque wrench.
Cost Savings: Save $20–$50 per rotation.

3. Replace Air Filters

Difficulty Level: Easy
Why It’s Important: Improves engine performance and air quality.
Safety Tips: Wear gloves and ensure the engine is off before replacing.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver (usually Phillips head).
Cost Savings: Save $10–$30 on labor costs.

4. Swap Out Windshield Wipers

Difficulty Level: Easy
Why It’s Important: Better visibility means safer driving.
Safety Tips: Prevent the wiper arms from snapping back onto the windshield.
Tools Needed: Often no tools, but a small screwdriver may be handy.
Cost Savings: Save $5–$15 on installation.

5. Replace Brake Pads

Difficulty Level: Advanced
Why It’s Important: Ensures safe and reliable braking.
Tools Needed: C-clamp, socket set, and brake cleaner.
Cost Savings: Save $50–$150 per axle.
Safety Tips:
- Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling brake dust.
- Use the right tools and reference your vehicle’s manual.

Learn How Much Your Scrap Car is Worth

The Environmental Side of DIY Car Care

Maintaining your car isn’t just about keeping it running; it’s also about protecting the environment. Follow these tips to ensure responsible disposal of automotive waste:

Used Oil & Filters: Recycle used oil at an auto parts store or recycling center. Drain oil from filters and recycle them appropriately.
Fluid Disposal: Properly seal used fluids like coolant or brake fluid and drop them off at hazardous waste collection sites.
Tire Recycling: Never dump old tires. Take them to a designated tire recycling facility.
Battery Recycling: Scrap old batteries at an auto parts store to prevent harmful materials from ending up in landfills.
Eco-Friendly Products: Use biodegradable cleaners and consider synthetic, sustainable oils.

Total Loss Vehicles and Junk Car Disposal

Sometimes, despite your DIY efforts, a car reaches the end of its usable life. When that happens, it’s time to consider options for scrapping the car responsibly. Selling your vehicle to a professional junk car buyer is a responsible way to recycle it’s valuable components and put instant cash in your wallet.

What is a Total Loss Vehicle?

A total loss vehicle is a car that has been damaged to the point where repairs would cost more than the value of the vehicle itself. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as accidents, natural disasters, or simply old age and wear-and-tear.

When this happens, insurance companies will often declare the vehicle a “total loss” and offer to pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of your car instead of covering repair costs. At this point, it’s up to you whether you want to keep the car or sell it for scrap.

Benefits of Selling to a Junk Car Buyer

Selling your junk car to a reputable buyer or auto scrap yard, like Benjamin’s Junk Cars in Indianapolis, can have several benefits:

▶ Get Rid of an Eyesore: Junk cars can be an unsightly addition to your property, taking up space and potentially attracting pests. By selling it to a junk car buyer, you can get rid of the eyesore and free up some space on your property.

▶ Eco-Friendly Disposal: Junk car buyers are equipped to properly dispose of old vehicles in an eco-friendly way. This includes draining all fluids and recycling any usable parts, rather than leaving them to rust away in a landfill.

▶ Make Some Money: Depending on the condition of your vehicle, you may be able to make some money by selling it to a junk car buyer. While the amount may not be significant, every little bit counts and can help offset the cost of purchasing a new vehicle.

▶ Convenient Process: Junk car buyers typically offer free towing services when purchasing your vehicle, making the process convenient for you. They will take care of all necessary paperwork and handle the logistics of removing the vehicle from your property.

▶ Peace of Mind: Selling your old vehicle to a junk car buyer can provide peace of mind knowing that it has been properly disposed of and will no longer sit on your property as an eyesore or potential hazard.

So Is DIY Car Maintenance Worth It?

While DIY car maintenance can save you hundreds of dollars annually, it also requires time, effort, and attention to detail. The real value lies in balancing your time savings against the cost savings. For some, the hands-on satisfaction is worth every second.

Key Takeaways

DIY car repair is not just a way to save money; it’s a gratifying skill that connects you with your vehicle. By following this guide, you can tackle common maintenance tasks confidently and responsibly, while knowing when to seek help for more complex problems.

If you’re ready to part ways with a vehicle that’s past its prime, contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars for FREE junk car removal and recycling services in Central Indiana. We’ll responsibly dispose of it and pay you cash on the spot!

See How Much Your Ride is Worth!