Today’s cars, with their specialized electronics, computerized internal controls, and long-life fluids, offer fewer and fewer opportunities for do-it-yourselfers to roll up their sleeves. It’s a mixed blessing. Cars need much less maintenance than they did in the good old days, and they last longer than ever. But some services that used to be routine now require the attention and tools of a highly trained specialist. Still, there are plenty of tasks that can keep a weekend mechanic busy for hours, and save you a few bucks in the process.
Go by the book. Your owner’s manual is the court of first resort for maintenance schedules and specifications for fluids, tires, lightbulbs, fuses, and other parts. It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the wrong transmission fluid, for example, could wreck the gearbox and void the powertrain warranty.
Go buy the book. For moderately ambitious tasks, get hold of a detailed repair manual, such as those from Bentley, Chilton, or Haynes. The books show how the myriad components assemble and disassemble, and they explain how to perform basic maintenance and repairs, and typically troubleshoot, too. They generally cost $15 to $30 at auto-parts stores or online, and even if you use the manual only once, it will probably pay for itself.
Search the Net. Google your car’s make, model, year, and area of interest (e.g. “2002 Ford Focus headlight replacement”). Such a search can turn up helpful tips and videos from mechanics, owner’s forums, and even the carmaker. But always be mindful of the source.
Watch the video. YouTube and other online portals have step-by-step videos illustrating repair processes on countless cars submitted by fellow consumers and professionals.
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